The High Court has rejected an appeal against the approval of four new salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds.
Sustain our Sounds and the Environmental Defence Society both objected to the Environment Court's decision to grant the farms to New Zealand King Salmon.
The groups argued against the decision on points of law, saying it is clearly in breach of the New Zealand Coastal Policy statement which protects outstanding natural landscapes.
They appealed two sites in particular - Waitata and Port Gore.
While the court acknowledged the important issues and public interest in the case, it has rejected both appeals.
The Environmental Defence Society and Sustain our Sounds have 10 days to consider whether to appeal the latest decision.
