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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.
No question about it. A highlight of any tiki-tour of New Zealand is when you get to rub limbs with one of our giant kauri, protected forever in its natural state within a forest remnant. Even we locals – who tend to take for granted this legacy – have our awe rekindled whenever we get to re-acquaint ourselves with one of these great spirits that link us with some remote past. Certain individuals had the foresight – at a time that most bush was being bowled or burnt – to reserve areas, millions of years in the making, in their natural state. Kiwis and others would always be able to see what the forested landscape once looked like. To mill any today would be the last thing on your mind. Strange, isn’t it? We’re keen to hold on to representative examples of original native land cover – yet are so reluctant to do anything similar for the sea. There are no places fully protected from fishing north of the Poor Knights Islands, right around the top and down to Taranaki. There is not a single possie easily accessed where you take your mokos to see a fully intact, functioning marine ecosystem. Decades of overfishing of certain key species (especially snapper and crayfish) have put the kybosh on close to two-thirds of the kelp forests of the Bay of Islands. Instead of teeming life associated with great seaweed forests, we find instead ghostly pale rock surfaces.
Significant increases in the abundance and size of marine species in Tasman Bay marine reserves confirm their conservation benefits.
Scientist consensus statement on protection of the Ross Sea 2010
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.
Letter to Minister of Conservation from the Akaroa Harbour Marine Protection Society
Notice to establish marine reserves on West Coast
Submissions close: 22 August 2012
The Minister of Conservation gives notice of her intention under Section 5 of the Marine Reserves Act 1971 to apply for an Order-in-Council declaring five areas of sea and foreshore in the West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Region (South Island) marine reserves. Public Notice
The Minister of Conservation gives notice of her intention under Section 5 of the Marine Reserves Act 1971 to apply for an Order-in-Council declaring five areas of sea and foreshore in the West Coast Te Tai o Poutini Region (South Island) marine reserves.
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.
