The Surfbreak Protection Society (SPS) has appealed the Port Otago consents to deposit dredge spoil in the swell corridors of the Nationally Significant surfbreaks of Aramoana Spit and Whareakake (murderers).

SPS asserts that the conditions of the consent will not avoid adverse effects on the two surfbreaks which are listed in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.

The scientific advice SPS has received (specialising in measuring surfing wave quality) tells us that the adaptive management and monitoring plan accepted by the commissioners is flawed with respect to being able to ascertain changes to surfing wave quality and/or linking changes to activities – you require baseline data and control sites for this.

The proposed adaptive management plan demonstrates a lack of knowledge of existing surfing wave quality and methods to ascertain them.

To adaptively manage something, you must first have a quantified understanding of how it works, and what you should be monitoring.

Attempting to reverse adverse effects after they have been observed does not demonstrate a precautionary approach, nor does it avoid adverse effects on surfbreaks as reflected in policy 16 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement  2010 (NZCPS)

SPS are disappointed that caucusing with Port Otago was not completed before the council hearings which granted the consent, yet SPS has made it known to Port Otago that the society is prepared to discuss on a “without prejudice” basis for a way to resolve the issue.

SPS do however welcome Port Otago’s decision to enter into Environment Court mediation, currently SPS and Port Otago teams are synchronizing dates

further updates to follow