Nugget Point June 2005

This letter was originally published in the Otago Daily Times 6 June 2005

I APPLAUD the call for a South Otago coastal guardians group but to have any credibility it must be democratically formed and include genuine conservation representation. Without representation from a recognised conservation group, such as the Forest and Bird Society, then any guardian group would inevitably be biased and no more than a front for fishing interests pretending to care for the coast.
   

The currently proposed guardian group is not an alternative to the proposed Nuggets marine reserve. Supporters of the proposed group need to recognise that sensible use and planning for the coast needs a balance of no-take marine reserves, recreational-fishing-only areas and full commercial fishing zones. Anything less will simply continue the slow degradation of our coasts and fisheries.