Marine farmers in Northland will now have to pay a bond to cover the cost of cleaning up their oyster farms if they are abandoned.
Independent commissioners have been considering the issue of surety for such clean ups as part of a wider Northland regional council review of coastal permits.
These permits were formerly leases and licences under the Marine Farming Act.
Allan Richards, of the regional council, says the commissioners have ruled that marine farmers in the region are now required to pay a bond of $9000 a hectare, however no actual cash will need to change hands, unless a clean up is actually required.
Mr Richards says the ruling will ultimately affect about 150 Northland oyster farms, mainly in the Far North.
