Marine NZ

why do we need no take marine reserves
Author(s): Roger Grace

In New Zealand, when we talk of no-take zones in the sea we really mean
marine reserves, set up under the Marine Reserves Act 1971. Although there
are a few other ways of achieving full protection, the Marine Reserves Act is
the specific piece of legislation designed for this purpose. It does have some
short-comings, however, and to correct some of these a new Marine Reserves
Bill has been prepared, but has been languishing in the storage cupboards of
Parliament with no action for more than ten years.

Fish Forever submission results for community led marine reserve in the Bay of Islands
Author(s): Fish Forever

Fish Forever, a local community group, is proposing two marine reserves and one scientific reserve for the Bay of Islands. The proposal was publicly launched in May 2014, through a Community Consultation Document that invited public submissions over a six-week period. Throughout the submission period, Fish Forever publicised the proposal and engaged with as many locals and stakeholders as possible.
This report presents the results of that community consultation process.
From over 1,300 submissions received, the overwhelming impression is of active community support for the proposal – both in general, and in the specific areas proposed. This clear mandate is vital to moving the proposal process forward.
The submissions also clarify the key areas of community concern about the proposals. These concerns focus on the relationship between marine reserves and other protective measures, like fisheries and customary management regulations, which need to be taken into account in long-term conservation planning for the Bay.

Horoirangi Marine Reserve Report 2014
Author(s): Davidson Environmental

Significant increases in the abundance and size of marine species in Tasman Bay marine reserves confirm their conservation benefits.

Proposal to protect 10% of the enclosed waters of the Bay of Islands with no-take marine reserves
Author(s): Fish Forever

Proposal
To protect 10% of the enclosed waters of the
Bay of Islands with no-take marine reserves
Community Consultation Document
1st May 2014 prepared by:
Fish Forever, Bay of Islands Maritime Park Inc.
http://www.fishforever.org.nz

Med Fanworm Unwanted
Author(s): Samara Nicholas

A key message poster for wide distribution

Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) is a marine bristle worm with a single spiral fan (radiole) with a greatly reduced semicircular fan. Fanworm can rapidly forms large dense colonies on submerged hard surfaces. The filter feeding fanworm is native to the Mediterranean and a highly invasive marine pest here in New Zealand.

Kermadec sanctuary a avenue for kiwi pride
Author(s): WWF New Zealand

WWF-NZ is calling for the Kermadec region to be set aside as a marine sanctuary to help restore some of NZ’s clean green reputation

future marine resource Use
Author(s): The Royal Society of New Zealand

In just a few decades, the fisheries industry has transitioned from crisis to a substantial and long-term generator of wealth for New Zealand. As shown by New Zealand’s experience with the fisheries Quota Management System, institutions matter. Our developing understanding of New Zealand ocean energy, minerals and petroleum, ecosystems and biodiversity all suggest that more potential sources of wealth are present in our oceans. However, appropriate management frameworks (i.e. institutions) are critical if New Zealand is to develop its marine resources efficiently and responsibly.

Trajectories of spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii recovery
Author(s): D Freeman et al.

Trajectories of spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii recovery in New Zealand marine reserves: is settlement a driver?

SUMMARY
Monitoring species’ response inmarine protected areas is important for informing both the management
of those areas and the establishment of additional protected areas. Populations of spiny lobsters Jasus
edwardsii were monitored in eight New Zealand marine reserves for up to 34 years. The populations displayed
highly variable responses to protection. While a few showed rapid (within 1–2 years of protection) increases in abundance, others showed little response
even after a decade of protection. Some reserves showed little initial recovery, then a sudden increase following several years of protection, while others
displayed significant declines in abundance following initial recovery. Marine reserves located in areas with initially high densities of juveniles tended to
have rapid recovery, but aspects of reserve design had no significant influence on the recovery rate.
Variability among recovery trajectories also suggests that supply-side dynamics may be a key driver
of lobster recovery. Densities of legal-sized lobsters were positively correlated with reserve age, but the
abundance of juvenile lobsters increased in all but one reserve, indicating enhanced recruitment, survival
and/or movement of juvenile lobsters into reserves. It is important to consider the placement of reserves,
with respect to potential levels of larval supply, when establishing marine reserves for either conservation
or fisheries management purposes and for evaluating their effectiveness.

Akaroa Marine Reserve High Court Decision May 2012
Author(s): High Court of New Zealand - Christchurch

The High Court has told the Government to reconsider its decision to reject a proposal for a marine reserve in Akaroa.
The Akaroa Harbour Marine Protection Society applied for a marine reserve near Dan Rogers’ Bluff in Akaroa Harbour in 1995.
The Conservation Minister declined the application because a reserve would interfere with recreational fishing.
The society appealed to the High Court saying the minister did not weigh up the positives of the proposed reserve and the effects on recreational fishing.
Judge Nathanial Whata found that the application must be reconsidered.

Weaving the Strands March 2012
Author(s): Hauraki Gulf Forum

The latest issue of the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s newsletter asks are we in danger of losing our resident Bryde’s whales?
Weaving the Strands also reflects on the life and legacy of Jim Holdaway, a founding father of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, reports on several new species making their way back around the park, and details some detective work on the NZ storm petrel.
Restoration of a Kawau icon, progress on a marine spatial plan for the Gulf, the process for assessing risks from fish farming and an important prosecution following fish-dumping are also reported