EDS calls for Oceans Reform before a disaster occurs

Saturday, 29 January 2011, 5:54 pm
Press Release: EDS

EDS calls for Oceans Reform before a disaster occurs

The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has called on the government to embark on a major reform of the way New Zealand manages its oceans before we experience an environmental disaster like that in the Gulf of Mexico.

Speaking at the National Party's Bluegreens Conference at Akaroa on Saturday, EDS Chairman Gary Taylor and Senior Policy Analyst Raewyn Peart set out the case for a makeover of the institutional and legal frameworks for managing our coastal resources.

"New Zealand's marine environment is 20 times larger than our land mass and it's under increasing pressure for resource use," said Gary Taylor.

"We are experiencing a mini-boom in oil, gas and minerals exploration but we are even worse prepared for the potential consequences if something goes wrong than the US government which was confronted with the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The law governing our oceans is very outdated and goes back to the 1970s when there was very little happening out there. Today we need to apply international best practice in managing our oceans if we are to avoid a catastrophic event.
New Zealand's oceans are very species-rich and are regarded as a hot-spot in ecological terms.

"New Zealand is commonly referred to as the "seabird capital of the world" because 84 species breed here, 40 per cent of which are endemic. This includes almost three-quarters of the world's penguin, albatross and petrel species, said Raewyn Peart.

"New Zealand also has just under half the world's total marine mammals including the world's rarest, Maui's dolphin.

"It's also a hotspot for rare seabed communities including those found in the fiords, on seamounts, in hydrothermal vents and on calcareous gravels. Much of New Zealand's marine area remains unexplored and new species are being discovered all the time.

"If there was a significant oil-spill the ecological consequences could be catastrophic.

EDS has proposed a short-term "fix" which would involve extending the Resource Management Act to the 200 mile limit and putting the EPA in charge.
"This would at least ensure there was some environmental regulation and assessment of risks," said Mr Taylor.

"But longer term, we need a very thorough look at how best to manage the precious resources in our marine environment and we propose the creation of a Royal Commission on Oceans.

"This would be based on the model of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, which we regard as having been a great success. It would look at best practice, at spatial planning and at how best to ensure activities in our oceans are carefully managed to avoid harm to the environment.

"It could also investigate the creation of a network of marine protected areas that would ensure conservation gets a look-in along with resource use.
"We need to act promptly though, before something goes wrong," Mr Taylor concluded.

ends

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
• Phone - + 64 9 302 2972
• Link - EDS National Conference
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