The Oyster Farmers Association says a new rule in Northland, requiring oyster farmers to pay a bond, could cripple the marine industry in the region.
Northland Regional Council now requires marine farmers to pay a bond of $9000 per hectare, or $6.95 per lineal metre of rack, to cover the cost of cleaning up their oyster farms if they are abandoned.
The Oyster Farmers Association says no farm has ever been completely abandoned.
President Callum McCallum says water quality issues in the Waikare inlet closed one farm for several years, but it is now operating again.
Mr McCallum says the clean-up bond is unnecessary and may force some farmers out of business.
He says oyster farmers are also worried that other regional councils may follow suit.
Mr McCallum says the association is considering appealing the decision.
The industry tried to offer the council an insurance scheme as an alternative, but it was not accepted.
