The Aramoana surf spot is in danger. Also known as "The Spit", this is one of the best waves in the world and is located near Dunedin, New Zealand.
The problem is that one of the primary export ports in the region, Port Otago Ltd, is seeking a coastal permit to dispose dredged material offshore, which could have disastrous effects on the breaks.
The region offers several top class surf peaks, such as Murdering Bay, Karitane and "The Spit", a nationally protected surfing wave. The consent to deepen the Otago Harbour will immediately kill this surfing sanctuary.
Current capacity for dumping of dredged spoil at "The Spit" site is 200,00 m3 per year, which expires December 2011. If they were granted the 200,000 m3 again, that one would assume that they would dump to full capacity in preparation for the super ship contract.
Dredging work could begin within months and surfing might be nothing but an old dream, in the end of the next year. That's why there's a petition to be signed in order to save "The Spit", in New Zealand.