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3 July 2003
Jim Flack
Department of Conservation
Private Bag
Fitzroy
Great Barrier Island
AUCKLAND
Dear Mr. Flack
RE: PROPOSED MARINE RESERVE FOR GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Department of Conservation's proposal for a marine reserve on the north-east coast of Great Barrier Island. I would also like to thank Warren Murray and Emma Rush from the Department for making their time available to attend Auckland City Council's working party meeting on the proposal. This was particularly useful, since it enabled a wide
ranging discussion of issues, and consequently the Council's submission may discuss matters in addition to the questionnaire.
The following outlines the Council's response to the Department's proposal for a marine reserve at Great Barrier Island and questionnaire:
- Protection of Unique Marine Features.
The Council supports in principle a proposal to establish a marine reserve on the north-east coast of Great Barrier Island. The Council acknowledges the need to protect the unique range of marine landscapes, habitats and biota present along this coastline and recognises that a marine reserve is the most appropriate means by which to ensure the ongoing protect of these features.
The Council in its District Plan recognises the need for an integrated approach to resource management of land and water, and seeks to ensure that land based reserves complement adjoining water based reserves, no-take fishing areas, or similar protective management areas. The area, which is proposed for a marine reserve, borders SMA12, Whangapoua. The District Plan records the importance of protection of wildlife habitat areas and ecosystems within and adjacent to the estuary complex. That because of this interrelationship of land and sea based activities in the coastal zone, the Council recognise that a joint management approach is important.
- Eco tourism.
As the territorial authority, the Council is responsible for providing the strategic direction for the long term future of the Great Barrier Island, in accordance with the Community's vision for the island. This vision is based around prosperity generated by an expanded visitor industry catering for active and passive land and sea based experiences, while being mindful of the need to maintain the unique character of the island and to provide for the diverse range of the residents' existing lifestyles. The proposed marine reserve would enhance tourism opportunities and is consistent with the promotion of Great Barrier Island as an eco-tourism destination. However, both the Council and the Department need to work together constructively in order for eco-tourism opportunities to materialise.
- Management.
The Community Board, residents and recreational boaties and fishers have asked questions about management of the reserve. The council considers that their concerns and the need to establish a means for a joint management approach between authorities with jurisdiction for land and reserves could be met by developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between our two organisations, and is pleased with the positive response of Department staff to this suggestion.
This is an opportunity to advance integrated management of the island's land and sea resources and ensure the directives of the District Plan and the Department is achieved in terms of the promotion of sustainable management. It is also essential to enable the planning of a clear direction for the island's future around eco-tourism. The Council looks forward to further discussions with the Department about progressing a MoU in the near future.
- Advantages Of Reserve Status.
In addition to enhancing tourism opportunities, the proposed marine reserve also offers the opportunity to:
- " foster appropriate economic growth on the island through expansion of eco tourism enterprises;
- " strengthen conservation of the natural environment; and
- " enhance the sense of community on the island
While the future of Great Barrier Island is dependent on conservation of the natural environment, this marine reserve affords considerable opportunities for an increase in tourism. The island could capitalise on the proposed marine reserve, which complements the existing assets of an unspoilt wilderness, wildlife and unique coastline. Establishing Great Barrier Island as an eco-tourism destination provides the opportunity to find the balance between conservation and development of a sustainable economy on the island.
There are also benefits to the Department of Conservation if the community feels it has ownership of the marine reserve. Such benefits to the Department may include assistance with the monitoring of activities within the reserve and community promotion and education of the purpose and benefits of marine reserves.
- Exclusion of Certain Areas.
The current use of resources within the Whangapoua Estuary is considered to be low-impact in nature and sustainable under current use levels. The inclusion of the estuary within the proposed marine reserve may result in unacceptable social and economic impacts for locals who rely on the resources of the estuary for their wellbeing. Further consultation is required with residents and users of the Whangapoua Estuary, to identify areas for exclusion from the marine reserve. The Council would support the introduction of community based initiatives, such as taiapure, where such initiatives would ensure the resources of the estuary are appropriately managed and/or protected.
- Social And Economic Impacts.
Further consideration needs to be given by the Department to any social or economic impacts from the proposed marine reserve on local residents along the north-east coastline. Where residents are likely to be adversely effected by the proposal, the Department needs to negotiate appropriate outcomes with individual landowners. We acknowledge that excluding some areas from the marine reserve may compromise the integrity of the proposed marine reserve and consider it appropriate that the Department finalise the boundaries of the marine reserve based on scientific merit.
- Establishment of Advisory Group.
The Council would also suggest that an advisory group be established for the marine reserve, comprising representation from the Great Barrier Island Community Board, the local community, and the local Iwi, Ngati Rehua. This group would be guided by the principles established in the MoU. Such an approach would have the benefit of community ownership of the marine reserve, resulting in a better understanding with DOC, better management, including monitoring, enforcement and management of land based activities, and the promotion of the purpose of the marine reserve, its boundaries, and rules.
- Maintenance of Fish Stocks.
In terms of marine resource management within the Hauraki Gulf, the Council recognises the impact of recreational fishing on fish stocks within the Gulf. We are concerned that the cumulative impact of bulk commercial fishing, and commercial fishing practices, has depleted fishing stocks and continues to degrade the benthic marine environments.
While the Council acknowledges that marine reserves is not a fisheries management tool, the Council considers fisheries management to be part of the role of the Department in the protection and management of marine biology and environments within the Gulf. In response, Council requests that the Department approach the Ministry of Fisheries to seek further control over fisheries management within the Hauraki Gulf. Such an approach is consistent with Auckland City's initiative to have an overall plan for the provision of marine protected areas within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Conclusion
Auckland City would like to thank the Department of Conservation for allowing us the opportunity to have input into the development of a marine reserve proposal for Great Barrier Island. We would like to continue this important consultation with the Department to progress the establishment of this marine reserve and development of a MoU between our two organisations.
Yours sincerely,
Councilor Juliet Yates
Chairman, City Development Committee
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