Application for a marine mammal permit by the New Zealand King Salmon Company Limited
We received a marine mammal permit application from the New Zealand King Salmon Co. Limited to "take" marine mammals. Submissions closed on 16 December 2025.

Pursuant to section 5 (5) of the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, and to a delegation from the Minister of Conservation, the Operations Manager, David Hayes, Department of Conservation notifies that they have received a permit application from The New Zealand King Salmon Co. Limited to take seals for the purpose of catching and releasing animals that have entered salmon pens.

Application details

Applicant: The New Zealand King Salmon Co. Limited
Location of proposed activity: Malborough Sounds
Permission type: Marine Mammal Protection Act 1978
Summary of proposal: To catch and release and displace seals which have entered salmon pens. This application does not include killing or injuring animals.

Application documents:

How to make a submission

Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.

Submissions closed 11:59 pm, 16 December 2025.

What happens next

After submissions close:

  1. DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the submissions.
  2. DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
  3. The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.

Decision

No details at this point. Details, such as submissions and the decision outcome, will be added when they are available.

Contact

If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Marama Hotere, Permissions Advisor.

Email: permissionschristchurch@doc.govt.nz