Some time ago this topic was raised ..well here it is in black and white >> hot off the press 18/02/2015
As hundreds-of-thousands of people visit Mahurangi marine reserves every year, local marine biologist Dr Roger Grace is pushing to create more reserves along the coast.
Dr Grace is advocating for 10 per cent of the Hauraki Gulf to be set aside as marine reserve and is developing a map to show what that might look like.
Currently, only 0.3 per cent of the gulf is protected in six marine reserves.
The plan is still being developed but includes possible sites at Te Arai/Mangawhai, areas of the estuary of Whangateau Harbour, and near Kawau Island.
“It’s not just about the number of marine reserves, but the variety,” Dr Grace says.
“It’s crucial that the full range of habitats is represented because they act as a control and show what the areas could look like without fishing. This will give us a better understanding of how best to manage them.”
The proposal formed part of a presentation Dr Grace made to Sea Change’s Biodiversity and Security Round Table, which he sits on.
Sea Change involves a wide range of groups who are creating a marine spatial plan for the Hauraki Gulf based on a consensus, incorporating the interests of the variety of users of the gulf.
The spatial plan will not be legally binding on government or councils, but will provide recommendations for improved management of the gulf. It is due out in September.
Dr Grace says the proposal was strongly opposed by commercial and recreational fishing representatives on the round table, but was supported by the majority of the representatives. However, as Sea Change is built on consensus, any proposal that does not receive unanimous support does not progress to the Steering Committee for consideration in the final report. Although Dr Grace’s research will still be included in evidence available to the committee.
“But Sea Change is not the end of the line for creating more marine reserves. It’s a great opportunity, but it’s just the beginning,” he says.
“One way or another, we will make progress towards greater marine protection.”
The popularity of marine reserves was highlighted in a recent Auckland Council survey, which found more people visit marine reserves than go fishing.
The survey had nearly 3000 responses and found 39 per cent had visited a marine reserve in the past 12 months, while only 24 per cent had gone fishing.
A 2008 report, commissioned by DOC, estimated that 375,000 people visit Cape Rodney Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) every year, bringing in about $18.6 million to the local economy.
Nationally, nine per cent of NZ’s ocean is protected, but the majority lies around the Auckland and Kermadec Islands, and only about one per cent is close to the mainland. By comparison, national and regional parks make up about 30 per cent of NZ’s land area.
Additionally, restoring the natural environment on land requires much more effort than creating a marine reserve.
“All you have to do is stop fishing. No planting, no weeding, no pest control – just stop fishing and the ecology will recover all by itself,” Dr Grace says.
Marine reserve facts
0.3 per cent of the Hauraki Gulf is protected in marine reserves
There are six marine reserves in the Gulf – Goat Island, Tawharanui, Long Bay, Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke Island and Cathedral Cove.
Nine per cent of NZ’s ocean is protected. The majority lies in the Auckland Islands and Kermadec Islands, and only about one per cent is coastal.
The People Protest
Actions Speak Louder Than Words