The government announced 18 new protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, as well as the restriction of trawl fishing to carefully selected corridors, with the aim of restoring the health of the area.

The strategy responds to the call to action launched by the Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki 2017 Sea Change Gulf Marine Space Plan (the Sea Change Plan).

The SMC has asked experts to comment on the news.

Professor Emeritus Liz Slooten, University of Otago, comments:

“It’s great to see that the Hauraki Gulf will be better protected. Scientific evidence of serious environmental impacts in the Gulf has accumulated over the past decades. Fishing impacts fish populations and kelp beds, as well as populations of marine mammals and seabirds. There have been several sightings of Hector’s Dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf over the years. It’s not yet clear whether this is Hector’s endangered dolphin or the critically endangered Māui dolphin subspecies – these dolphins are not found anywhere else in the world.

“Deaths in gillnets and trawls have a very serious impact on marine mammals, seabirds, sharks and other species. The timing could not be better, as today is also the day the International Whaling Commission released the report of its Scientific Committee. This is the 10th year that the International Whaling Commission has urged New Zealand to fully protect the Māui dolphin. Over the years, the recommendation of the International Whaling Commission has changed from “concern” to “serious concern”. At present, the capture of a single Māui dolphin in a fishing net could lead to extinction.

“Despite changes made by the Minister of Primary Industries last year, the protection of dolphins still falls far short of the recommendation of the International Whaling Commission, which continues to call for the banning of these two fishing methods until today. ’20 nautical miles offshore. Other fishing methods such as fish traps and hook and line methods are safe for dolphins and may continue to be used. The International Whaling Commission is also conducting an extensive peer review of the Ministry of Primary Industries model that was used to advise the Minister on dolphin protection.

“In the Hauraki Gulf, as elsewhere in New Zealand waters, the transition to more selective fishing methods (safe for dolphins and seabirds) will be a lifeline for endangered species, stocks of fish and the long-term future of the fishing industry itself. . “

No conflict of interest

Dr Richard O’Driscoll, Chief Fisheries Scientist – NIWA, comments:

“We welcome this strategy as making progress towards ecosystem-based management in the Hauraki Gulf region.

“Due to its proximity to New Zealand’s largest population in Auckland, the Gulf has been affected by a range of pressures including fishing, sedimentation, pollution, aquaculture and urban development. This makes restoring the Gulf difficult, but if we can be successful in this area, we could apply similar strategies in other parts of New Zealand as well.

“The key objective of fishing is to develop and implement” a fishing plan by area for customary, commercial and recreational fisheries. “

“It is essential that this fishing plan does not only consider the fisheries in isolation, but rather as part of a ‘fisheries ecosystem plan’ which also incorporates the other eight elements such as habitat restoration, marine protection, protected species and Ahu Moana. Everything is interconnected – fishing has an impact on the ecosystem, but changes in the ecosystem also have an impact on fishing.

“NIWA looks forward to supporting the Hauraki Gulf Fishing Plan Advisory Group in developing the Area Fishing Plan. In addition to informing the development of the plan, our existing, current and future research in the Hauraki Gulf can also provide the basis for continued monitoring and management. “

Declaration of Conflict of Interest: NIWA conducts fisheries research under contract with the New Zealand government (Fisheries New Zealand, Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, Department of Conservation), local government and for the fishing industry. peach.

Associate Professor Rochelle Constantine, University of Auckland, Marine Biologist, comments:

“The ministers’ announcement is a positive step forward to ensure the recovery of Gulf mauri. Addressing the major issues around sedimentation, all fishing effort and pollution will require action from all who live near the Gulf. Mana whenua is well placed to be at the forefront of this discussion already highlighted by an increasing number of rāhui in response to degraded ecosystems.

“The Hauraki Gulf is a global hotspot for seabirds and an important habitat for many species of cetaceans, sharks and rays. These species are under stress with changes in prey availability linked to environmental changes, especially with unusually warm years. We must restore the function of the ecosystem to ensure that these large marine animals have a future in the Gulf and that will require a substantial change in how we view our relationship with these waters. “

Conflict of Interest Statement: “I gave advice to the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari committee. “

Dr Darren Parsons, NIWA Fisheries and Ecosystem Program Manager, comments:

“It’s a game changer. EBM is not a new concept, but progress in this direction has been limited. The government’s response to Sea Change sets a clear path for what a more holistic and inclusive approach to management will look like.

Declaration of Conflict of Interest: NIWA conducts fisheries research under contract with the New Zealand government (Fisheries New Zealand, Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, Department of Conservation), local government and for the fishing industry. peach.

Dr Julie Hall, Director of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, comments:

“I am pleased to see that the strategy recognizes the essential role of mana whenua and the need for holistic and ecosystem approaches to marine management. He also rightly notes that there are many and varied activities – both on land and at sea – that affect the health of marine ecosystems, and therefore the economic, ecological, cultural and social values ​​that people hold. Coasts and oceans are central to New Zealand’s life and identity, which is why improved marine management benefits everyone.

“We look forward to working with FNZ and DOC on the case study referenced in the strategy, to co-develop the fishery indicators and the monitoring framework. “

No conflict of interest

Dr Mark Morrison, Marine Ecologist, NIWA Auckland, comments:

“With the release of the government’s response to the Hauraki Gulf Sea Change Plan, it is great to see that so many of the plan’s themes and priorities will be implemented.

“It’s fantastic to see that a new holistic ecosystem approach will be adopted and that habitats and their ecological functions are a central part of the plan. This includes the unique knowledge contributions of Mana Whenua who has lived on and around the Gulf for nearly a millennium, and all the different parts of society who value the Gulf so much and all it offers and holds.

“Fishing as a major activity in the Gulf (commercial, recreational and customary) receives a lot of attention in this plan, and the new approaches, knowledge and management methods that will be developed will fundamentally help not only the Gulf. but all of New Zealand is moving towards a healthier marine ecosystem. It is wonderful to see biogenic (living) habitats such as sponges, seagrass, horses and green-lipped mussels, and others, receiving the detailed attention they need, as key elements for have a highly functional and productive ecosystem.

Declaration of Conflict of Interest: NIWA conducts fisheries research under contract with the New Zealand government (Fisheries New Zealand, Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, Department of Conservation), local government and for the fishing industry. peach. Dr Mark Morrison played a technical scientific liaison role for the Sea Change marine space plan process.

University of Auckland researcher Dr Jenny Hillman comments:

“I am encouraged by this morning’s statement with its goals to address the challenges that the Hauraki Gulf is increasingly facing today, and has long faced. The content aligns with the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, which calls for preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems around the world, and is a good start to achieving the ambitious goals set by the Gulf Forum. ‘Hauraki.

“Protecting the entire ecosystem is complex and requires collective input, wisdom and buy-in from all stakeholders involved, but also requires sound management in terms of policy and regulation to ensure that objectives are achieved. It is especially encouraging to see the goal of greater marine protection and active restoration, as this will be crucial to achieving the collective goal of a healthier Gulf ecosystem. However, it is essential to consider land-based impacts, with sedimentation being the greatest threat, before we can guarantee a healthy marine world, as the land-sea connection is so strong. “

No conflict of interest

Professor Karen Stockin, Professor of Marine Ecology, Massey University, comments:

“I warmly welcome the government’s announcement regarding the protective measures being created in the Hauraki Gulf. We have seen a marked difference in the way marine mammals use the Gulf over the past decade, including reduced diets. As such, it is good news to hear about MPAs, restriction of trawl fishing and improved surveillance in the Hauraki Gulf. “

No declared conflict of interest

© Scoop Media