Process
taking longer
By Glenn
Conway
This article was originally
published in the Otago Daily Times 13 May 2005
Delay
in application for marine reserve
Balclutha: The Department of Conservation (Doc)
is delaying making a formal application for a marine reserve at
Nugget Point because the consultation process has taken much longer
than expected.
Otago conservator Jeff
Connell told a meeting of recreational fishers last night it was
still his intention to lodge an application with Conservation
Minister Chris Carter but he would miss his original deadline
of the end of May. He does not yet know when that application
will be sent off.
The meeting was part
of Doc's public consultation over its proposed boundaries for
the marine reserve.
Nugget Point Recreational
Fishing Club president Nelson Cross urged Mr Connell to "push
the pause button" on the proposal so an alternative proposal,
which calls for a guardians management approach to the South Otago
coastline, can be fully explored. He said Doc's present proposal
was "a non-starter" for Kaka Point and the wider community and
the guardians concept should be given time "to fly".
The group had written
to the Prime Minister and senior Government officials, asking
for their support.
Mr Connell admitted
he might have to delay the proposal "until we hear what the hierarchy
have to say", but he was still on a schedule.
The meeting also heard
concerns from recreational fishers who fear the reserve will lock
them out of a safe and enjoyable fishing environment.
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