Proposals

The forum has reached general agreement to seek public input through formal consultation on a package of marine protection sites for the West Coast. The primary sites are based around Kahurangi (north of Crayfish Point), Punakaikii, Okarito and the Gorge River (South Westland). The links to maps of each of these sites are in the left column.

In order to meet the requirements of the MPA Policy, the proposal need to be considered as a package of sites. An example of each habitat present on the West Coast needs to be included in a marine reserve and a replicate included within a Fisheries Act Protected Area. There are 17 habitat types present on the West Coast and the proposed package generally meet these criteria. The policy also requires that the costs to users are minimised.

Two of the most commonly used tools are marine reserves and Fisheries Act protected areas. Marine reserves are no-take. Fisheries Act protected areas for the purposes of the MPA policy will prohibit bottom-impact fishing methods including trawling, Danish seining and dredging.

In addition, some education showcase sites are also being proposed at Tauranga Bay, Mahinapua Tüawharewhare River Mouth, Ship Creek, Hapuka River, and Jackson Head. These sites are small areas easily accessible by the public, and intended to enable the public and school groups to enjoy and learn about protected marine areas. They have been selected to provide samples of the larger primary sites which are less accessible to the general public, and also to minimise the effects on all users, particularly fishers.

 

Updated 11 March 2009

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