Marine NZ

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow
Author(s): Roger Grace

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow, an article by roger Grace for Dive NZ magazine, March 2010.

A Wet Library for Whangarei
Author(s): Samara Nicholas

History of the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve

Precis. Fully Protected Marine Reserves : a guide
Author(s): Callum M Roberts et al

Callum M Roberts and Julie P Hawkins, fully protected marine reserves - a guide, answers all your questions about marine reserves. Fantastic summary points and key lessons for the creation of new reserves.

Economic Impact Analysis of the Cape Rodney Okakari Point (Leigh) Marine Reserve on the Rodney D
Author(s): Lou Hunt

Abstract
This analysis was initiated in light of the Department’s Strategic Direction and shows that aside from the known intrinsic and biological benefits, marine reserves can, in a broader context, make a considerable contribution to local economies.

The study looks at the economic impact of activities associated with the Cape Rodney – Okakari Marine Reserve (CROP) on the Rodney District by measuring the reserve’s economic impact on variables such as the level of employment, expenditure and incomes.

The Cape Rodney Okakari Point Marine Reserve was established in 1975 and is the most popular marine reserve in New Zealand.  The reserve received an estimated 375 000 visits in the year to February 28th, 2008. 

The surveys show that around 60 % of visitors to the reserve are day visitors to the Rodney District and spend an average of $ 29 per person.  Around 30 % are overnight visitors to the region and spend an average of $137 per trip.  Seven percent of visitors live locally and 1 % owned property locally but lived outside the district.  The majority of day visitors (54 %) said that if the marine reserve did not exist then they would not visit, or would be unlikely to visit, the district on the day they were interviewed

The Total Output in Rodney dependent on the existence of the marine reserve is estimated to be
$18.6 million per year.  Some $ 12.1 million of this is direct spend by visitors and the balance is the result of flow-on effect through the district economy.  Associated with this output is Total Value Added of $8.2 million per year and employment for 173 FTE’s (full time equivalents) in Rodney, including 10 jobs in marine reserve-related activities. 

DOC’s total annual budget at the marine reserve varies but is approximately $70,000 per year, including a total staff input of 0.8FTE.

CBD Technical Bulletin No. 13 Establishment and Management of Networks of Marine Protected Areas
Author(s): Secretariat of the convention for biological diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force in 1993, and currently has 188 Parties. The objectives of the Convention are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic
resources. The Convention includes an article (Article 8) relating to in situ conservation, which among other things requires Parties (as far as possible and as appropriate) to:
(a) Establish a system of protected areas of areas where special measures need to be taken to
conserve biological diversity; and
(d) Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural
habitats and the maintenance of viable population of species in natural surroundings.

As part of its ongoing work to provide advice to Parties on marine and coastal biodiversity, COP V decided to establish an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) to consider issues relating to MCPAs. The terms of reference for the group are set out in Annex 1. The group was formed in accordance with the modus operandi of the Convention. Members of the group are set out in Annex 2. This document is the main product from the AHTEG.

Subantarctic Forum Letter
Author(s): DOC

Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning forum summary letter

Implementation of the Marine Protected Areas Policy in the Subantarctic
Author(s): Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum

The Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum invites the public to comment on a consultation document describing proposed options for marine protected areas around New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.

Exploration of the Use of Reserve Planning Software to Identify Potential MPAs in NZs EEZ
Author(s): J Leathwick, K Julian & M Francis

This report describes results of an exploratory analysis using reserve selection software (Zonation) to evaluate various scenarios for the identification of Marine Protected Areas with New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Development of a Marine Environmental Classification Optimised for Demersal Fish
Author(s): Joan Leathwick, Katie Dey & Kathryn Julian

This paper explores the potential for the development of marine environment classification specifically tuned with respect to the distributions of demersal fish. In addition, the paper identifies four variables which were not available when the existing marine classification was developed.

Setting Course for a Sustainable Future: The Management of New Zealand’s Marine Environment
Author(s): Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

This study acknowldges the vast array of other studies undertaken already on New Zealand’s marine environment. This study purports to take a different approach: by focusing on whole marine systems, or from a ‘systems thinking’ perspective, a broad assessment of strategic opportunities and risks has been able to be undertaken. The study emphasises the importance of involving the many people and groups with an interest in New Zealand’s seas and coastal resources, as we advance the sustainable management and development of the marine environment. It approaches the marine environment not only from a scientific perspective, but from a wider social, cultural and economic perspective. The report covers four key areas: the importance of the marine environment to New Zealand; the it is currently managed; the rights various stakeholders have; and the adequacy of our knowledge about the marine environment.