The head of a Marlborough Sounds salmon farm that wants to more than double its size is questioning the validity of an 11,000 signature petition opposing his plans.
King Salmon's application has been fast tracked through the Environmental Protection Agency, and will receive an interim decision on Wednesday.
The Government wants to develop aquaculture into a $1 billion industry by 2025.
The chief executive of King Salmon, Grant Rosewarne, says the petition was carried out online with nothing to stop people signing more than once.
"We've been there for 25 years. We've operated in a very environmentally sustainable way. We've proven our track record. We think if we tick all the boxes in terms of adding value, export income, we should be allowed to grow.
"We can bring 370 new jobs to the top of the South Island of New Zealand. That's a great thing."
