Sign In / Register
Department of Conservation officers are gearing up to help boaties understand the new marine protection rules and boundaries in the Hauraki Gulf this summer, which took effect on October 25 and include 19 new protected areas.
“We’ve got a new team of marine rangers, community rangers and seasonal staff on board and we’ll be heading to events, boat clubs, boats ramps and out on the water to chat about these new marine protections,” operations manager marine Kirsty Prior says.
“We understand this is a big change for many in the fishing community, and we’ll be working alongside them as everyone gets familiar with the new boundaries and what they mean. It will take time for the practical changes to take place such as updates to electronic chart-plotting systems and installing physical markers.”
Prior says the protections will take some pressure off crucial underwater habitats such as productive reefs and sensitive sea floors.
“We’re giving space for marine life to thrive, and over time this will help contribute to a healthier gulf with more fish for everyone.”
Signage is being installed at boat ramps and entry points, protection area maps are being distributed to fishing retailers, the DOC website is being updated, and maps have been provided to chart-plotter providers to update their mapping systems.
“We expect updates to digital charts to happen when these manufacturers are able. The installation of signs and marker buoys will roll out progressively over summer and into early next year.
The latest maps and updates can be found at: www.doc.govt.nz/haurakigulfmarinepark.
