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Call for major oceans reform in New Zealand
03 June 2011
Media Release
Call for
major oceans reform in New Zealand
Participants at the Environmental Defence Society's Coastlines conference have strongly supported calls by EDS for major reform of the way New Zealand manages its oceans.
"We asked more than 250 people at the conference, who came from a wide variety of sectors, whether they believed there was a need for a step-change improvement in the way we manage our territorial sea, our Exclusive Economic Zone and our extended continental shelf," said Chairman Gary Taylor.
"There was virtually unanimous support for that proposition which was very encouraging.
"The range of expert speakers at the conference collectively built up the case for change given the extraordinary values that are at stake and the increasing pressures on our marine environment from competing uses for space.
"We heard that our marine environment is a huge reservoir of biodiversity and is important for fishing, aquaculture, fin-fish farming, recreational activities, shipping, marine mammals and seabirds.
"Marine spatial planning emerged as a useful new tool and there was strong endorsement from the conference for a pilot plan to be prepared for the Hauraki Gulf. We heard that the Auckland and Waikato Regional Councils as well as the Hauraki Gulf Forum are keen for a marine spatial plan for the Gulf which is the most used section of water space in the country. Government is open to the idea as well.
"EDS is therefore seeking expressions of interest from key stakeholders in participating in a collaborative process to prepare such a plan. We will pass a list of those who respond to the councils and the Forum who should act as sponsors of the process.
"But the bigger goal, informally endorsed by the Conference, is to secure fundamental oceans reform. We believe the best way forward is by establishing a Royal Commission on Oceans Governance, modelled on the successful Royal Commission on Auckland Governance. It should investigate international best practice in oceans management and conduct a thorough review of New Zealand's legislative, regulatory and administrative arrangements.
"We welcomed the Minister for the Environment's announcement of a new regulatory regime to govern oil, gas and mining but that is just a part of a much wider range of issues that need attention," Mr Taylor concluded.
ends
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.
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