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Response
to Chris Carter
by
Malcolm Lawson
The
Southland Times
11
June 2004
A number of quotes and comments
attributed to Chris Carter, Minister of Conservation, at the announcement
of the Paterson Inlet marine reserve (Southland Times, June 5),
must be challenged.
The opportunity to disagree
is a cornerstone of democracy.
Mr Carter is scornful of
those opposed to the reserve and signalled that he would not let
opposition stand in the way of his vision in the future.
One can only assume from
that that he is going to ignore the democratic process.
The main reason for the length
of time that the establishment of this reserve has taken is due
to the level of opposition.
Surely, the fact that it
has now been established demonstrates democracy at work.
Saying that he, "Is mystified
that recreational fishers are not our greatest allies", he continues
to perpetuate the myth that marine reserves are some type of fisheries
management tool. There is no reputable scientific evidence to support
the hypothesis that marine reserves enhance fishing outside the
boundaries of a reserve – a fact accepted by his own department.
Later, Mr Carter is credited
with saying that it is the Government's aim to vest 10 percent of
New Zealand's coastline as marine reserves. The Government's policy
is for 10 percent of New Zealand's marine area to be vested as marine
protected areas.
Marine reserves are but one
method for protecting marine areas. Others may include mataitai
or closure of areas to certain fishing methods.
It appears that he has his
own agenda and is willing to mislead or be party to misinformation
from his advisers. Anyone who has to deal with the head office of
the Department of Conservation, for any reason, should be very wary.
Malcolm Lawson
Chief Executive Officer
CRA8 Management Committee
Inc.
Mosgiel
Thumbs Up to Paterson
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