Media Releases
Latest media release - Friday 26 June 2009
The West Coast Marine Protection Forum is about to seek public feedback on its proposed package of Marine Protected Areas for the West Coast. This will begin with the release of a consultation document on Monday 29 June.
The consultation document provides a thorough summary of the proposals and why the forum has chosen these sites. They will now be seeking written submissions that will assist them in making their final recommendations that will go to the Ministers of Fisheries and Conservation. There will be a series of public information evenings starting in Nelson on Monday 6 July. Following closure of the submission process, there will be opportunities for submitters to present further evidence and information at hearings.
The forum chair, Bruce Hamilton, said that getting to this point has not been easy. The forum members’ views and values are quite diverse. Some feel that the proposals are not enough, while others feel they are too much. However, they have agreed that it is time to get the public’s views and obtain more information on the proposed sites. While the forum members largely represent a cross section of people with an interest in the West Coast marine environment, they do not have all of the information. This is why the forum is eager to obtain the publics’ views through consultation.
The forum has been working with the guidelines established through the Marine Protected Areas Policy and its objective is to protect marine biodiversity through a network of marine protected areas, while minimising effects on existing users and Treaty settlement obligations.
Bruce said that the forum members are strongly encouraging people that have an interest in the West Coast marine environment to engage in the submission process. They should obtain a copy of the consultation document, preferably through the website www.westmarine.org.nz , it will also be available at DOC and Ministry of Fisheries offices, and public libraries.