Marine Farming Development Plans (Plans) set out areas where marine farming can occur ('zones'). Leases may be granted within these zones, up to the maximum leasable area that is set by the Plan. The Plans also specify which types of marine farming can take place within each zone (such as finfish or shellfish) and contain management controls to mitigate and manage potential negative effects of farming within the plan area. 

Plans are approved under the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 (MFPA) by the Minister responsible for that Act.​