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Information on marine reserves and the proposed introduction of new Highly Protected Areas (HPAs) will be discussed at a free workshop at the Leigh Hall on Thursday, April 17, starting at 6.30pm.
Guest speakers from the Department of Conservation, Auckland University and the Leigh Marine Lab will look at the effectiveness of marine reserves, future biodiversity monitoring and enforcing marine protection.
The presenters will be DOC senior ranger Adam Whatton and strategy manager Emma Kearney, together with the University of Auckland’s Marine Discovery Centre manager Tim Haggitt and curator and educator Nakita Daniel.
Topics covered will include the latest research findings on how well marine reserves are coping with increased pressures from overfishing and other human impacts, with particular regard to Te Hāwere a Maki/Cape Rodney-Okakari Point, aka Goat Island, which was established 50 years ago as New Zealand’s first marine reserve.
The proposed introductions of HPAs in the Hauraki Gulf, how they differ from marine reserves and what value they will bring to the gulf marine park will also be addressed, as will future protection and enforcement of marine reserve boundaries and how community can assist with effective reporting when breaches occur.
The Marine Reserves Workshop is being organised by Matheson Bay community conservation group Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative. After the speakers, there will be a Q+A session and tea and coffee will be provided afterwards.
Info and registration: www.tekohuroarewilding.org
