Marine Reserves Proposed in North

Forest and Bird, Issue 313, 1 August 2004, Page 9

Marine Reserves Proposed in North

new marine reserve is proposed by the epartment of Conservation for the Mimiwhangata Peninsula, between Whangarei and the Bay of Islands in Northland. Although designated a marine park in 1984, fisheries regulations still allowed selective recreational fishing and shellfish gathering within the park. There are some indications that some species may be in a worse state than in 1980, reports marine advocate and biologist Vince Kerr, who coordinated the biological investigation for DoC. In July, the Department of Conservation floated a community discussion document that provides the public with information and asks for consideration, comment and participation. Copies of the discussion document can be obtained from the Department of Conservation Northland, PO Box 842, Whangarei, phone 09 459 7942 or email mimiwhangata@doc.govt.nz An electronic version of

the discussion document can be viewed at www.forest-bird.org.nz Please send all submissions to DoC Northland by October 12, 2004. As we go to press, the Department of Conservation is also due to notify its application for a marine reserve at Great Barrier Island during July. DoC aired its plans for a large marine reserve off the northeast coast of Great Barrier Island last year. (See Forest & Bird magazine, August 2003.) The proposal has since been modified (the Whangapoua Estuary is no longer included) but the area still covers a diverse mix of marine habitats, from rocky shores to offshore coral and sponge-encrusted deep reefs. People have two months from notification to make their submission in support or opposition. The Minister of Conservation will consider these in his decision on the marine reserve. For further details see www.doc.govt.nz