Prospective Coromandel fish farmers are to undergo a rigorous selection process when the Waikato Regional Council calls for tenders next year.

A report is to be prepared recommending how the marine farming space would ultimately be tendered.

The report will be presented to the council at its next meeting in February 2012.

The Coromandel marine farming zone was created on October 1 to accommodate about 8000 tonnes of fish farming.

The government estimates this will generate export revenues in excess of $100 million.

At the same time 90 hectares within the existing Wilsons Bay zone was set aside and could accommodate another 4000 tonnes of fish farming.

Acting chairman Simon Friar says the farming of high value species, such as kingfish and hapuka will help drive the region's economic growth.

'Developing just 6000 tonnes per annum of fish farming will employ about 230 people and generate another 240 indirect jobs – achieving full development will double that.”

Policy committee chair Paula Southgate says the council is working to ensure there is a rigorous selection process in place when tenders are sought next year.

'Policy staff have been reviewing the process for setting up fish farms to ensure there is a robust tender and consenting process, so that any potential environmental effects are managed.”

The tendering process will determine which proposal or proposals go forward to apply for consent under the Resource Management Act.

The proposals will be scored on a range of attributes, with a particular emphasis placed on the socio-economic benefits of the proposal to the community and the nation.

Paula says the council's share of any tender money would be used to study, monitor and manage the marine environment.

Farmers will also be required to monitor the effects of their farm, and where necessary, will be required to take action in response to the monitoring results.

Before its release by tender, 20 per cent of the fish farming space must be allocated to the Maori Trustee, and the Minister of Conservation must be given four months notice.