15 August 2008

DOC encouraged by community support for new reserve

The community has an important role to play in raising awareness of and monitoring the new Taputeranga Marine Reserve, says the Department of Conservation.

With the no take protections of the 854 hectare reserve effective from Thursday 28 August, DOC’s Poneke Area has no shortage of willing community volunteers keen to help out with its management.

“We are fielding lots of calls from people asking how they can assist, which is really encouraging,” says Rob Stone, DOC’s Poneke Area Manager.

“While we are responsible for managing the reserve, it is a community asset and we need support from south coast residents and people from all over the region to ensure its success. The best way they can do this is to foster community support and responsibility that discourages the taking of marine life from the area.

“We need people to monitor the day-to-day activities in the reserve, letting visitors to the area know that it is a no-take zone and reporting contaminant discharges that may affect the marine life”.

Once the reserve is established, DOC will seek to enlist volunteers to help protect the natural values of the reserve as well as provide information to the public about why marine protection is so important.

Wellingtonians can learn about their new reserve during Conservation Week on Sunday 7 September. People involved with the reserve will be giving 15 minute talks at points along the coast between Island Bay and the Owhiro Bay visitor centre between 11.30 am and 3 pm.

For more information about the Conservation Week event and the Taputeranga Marine Reserve check out the DOC website or contact the Wellington Visitor Centre on 04 384 7770 or email wellingtonvc[at]doc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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