REM were engaged as project managers by Australian Worldwide Exploration Limited (AWE) to prepare the AEE for resource consents for an oil exploration well, named the Tuatara Exploration Well, within the coastal marine area to the west of D'Urville Island. REM also provided water quality and planning advice to AWE throughout the resource consent process. Coastal Permits were granted onn 30th December 2009 and drilling was undertaken in 2010.
The area in and around the Island is renowned for its cultural, recreational and ecological values as well as being a commercial fishery of regional significance. As a consequence, marine biosecurity and marine oil spills were understandably the major issues raised by submitters.
