My Account
The plan’s proposed protected areas.
Increased marine protection – and a reduction in fishing – is on the cards for several local bays and islands as a result of the new Revitalising the Gulf – Government Action on the Sea Change Plan that was published last week.
New High Protection or Seafloor Protection Areas are proposed for waters north and east of Hauturu Little Barrier Island, around Kawau Island and south of Kawau Bay, and around the Mokohinau Islands. In addition, the existing Goat Island marine reserve will be extended north.
The new High Protection Areas are comparable to no-take marine reserves, although customary rights will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, while Seafloor Protection Areas are will protect seafloor habitats from some fishing (especially dredging, bottom trawling and Danish seining), sand extraction and mining. However, the strategy says that some commercial and recreational fishing may be allowed “where they are compatible with the management objectives of each protected area”.
The Government says these areas, which total 18 throughout the Gulf, will be progressed through new legislation in 2024. The Revitalising the Gulf Plan aims to mitigate some of the damage done to marine life of the Hauraki Gulf over the years by boosting stocks of fish and protecting habitats and ecosystems throughout the Gulf to support their recovery.
If the 18 protected areas proposed are established, the total area under protection will nearly triple, from 6.6 percent to 17.6 percent. However, one area that will not benefit from the new marine protection areas is Whangateau Harbour.
“The Sea Change Plan’s proposal for additional protection in the Whangateau Harbour will not significantly increase biodiversity beyond what is offered by existing fishing restrictions,” the document states.
Instead, it claims the area would benefit from “a catchment-based approach to management”.
Forum executive officer Alex Rogers will be a meeting at the Matakana Community Hall on Monday July 5, at 7pm.
To read the report: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/45550-Revitalising-the-Gulf-Government-action-on-the-Sea-Change-Plan
