Marine Protected Areas (MPA) legislation out for consultation

The MPA intends to establish a nationally consistent method for identifying and establishing marine reserves, and putting regulations and restrictions in place to secure their protection.

The governing Rōpu Mahinga Kai  raised concern at their last meeting that the Government vision of nationally networked marine reserves is fundamentally different to community-based and bottom-up mātaitai and taiāpure reserves.

Tangata Whenua have reason to be concerned that a focus on MPA's may jeopardize the establishment and management of new customary fishing areas. In addition, customary use may be curtailed or excluded from new marine reserves.

While the consultation process promises constructive engagement with tangata whenua and other user groups, the important caveat that biodiversity protection objectives will not be compromised through consultation is worrisome.

Additional Background and Links

The Marine Protected Areas Policy and Implementation Plan fall under the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. The Biodiversity Strategy, in turn, is meant to fulfill New Zealand’s commitment to the international Convention on Biological Diversity.  Currently, the draft Marine Protected Areas Protection Standard and Classification System is what is open for consultation.

The Biodiversity Strategy and Marine Protected Areas Policy is a response to increasing concern about the health of New Zealand's marine environments, and to international critique of New Zealand's efforts to protect it's environment.

Download the powerpoint presentation DoC and MFish presented at the University of Otago on August 10 explaining more about the draft Protection Standard and Classificaton System.

Making Submissions

There are several good resources available to individuals or groups who want to make a submission on policy issues. NZ Parliment guide on How to Make A Submission is a good place to start.