Presentation on Tiritiri Marine Reserve
by Hibiscus Sea Rescue Trust
27 February 2003
A presentation to the Rodney District Council Environmental Committee
Last month I attended the meeting convened by the Hibiscus Coast Boating Club, at which representatives of the NZUA presented their case for the establishment of a Marine Reserve
The Trustees of Hibiscus Sea Rescue had asked me to attend the meeting as an observer. They feel that restricting the use of such a large area of coastline and sea could have serious consequences in respect to personal safety at sea.
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Safety of the many boaties who already make use of the waters around the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. |
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Safety for the many groups and individuals who would be attracted to the reserve and not be aware of the potential dangers of crossing Tiri Channel in small boats. |
THIS ISSUE HAD NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NZUA IN THEIR PROMOTIONAL BROCHURE.
Let me give you some background to this concern.
In January 2001, the Trustees conducted a due diligence review of possible suitable sites for the new Hibiscus Marine Rescue and Education Centre.
In support of this, I did a retrospective analysis of the location of all the rescues carried out by Hibiscus Sea Rescue in the previous three years. It showed that the major part of these took place relatively close to the Peninsula, but interestingly, the distribution was similar on the Northern, Southern and Eastern (i.e. Tiri channel) sides of the Peninsula.
Looking at this data again today, it is very apparent that the proposed Marine Reserve boundaries include the areas where many of the rescues had taken place.
The proposed Marine Reserve boundaries extend out to the Eastern and Southern limits of the Telecom Submarine Cable Zone. This zone is approximately 4 km wide in which both fishing and anchoring are prohibited. A conservative estimate of the protected zone between Gulf Harbour and Shearer Marker Buoy is 100sq.km.
What are some of the implications of this?
For Fishermen:
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Much of the traditional and sheltered fishing areas close to the Peninsula and Tiri Tiri Matangi would no longer be accessible. |
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Alternative fishing locations outside the exclusion zones are in exposed waters at least 8-10kms from the nearest boat ramp. |
For Day Trippers to Tiri Tiri:
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Boaties from outside the district may make the wrong assumption that the island is safe to visit. It is, but the journey itself may not be without risk. |
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The sea and Tiri Tiri Channel in particular, are very dangerous in wind versus tide conditions which can result in very rough seas. This phenomenon occurs, even on relatively calm days. |
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With no all-weather, all-tide ramp on either side of the Peninsula, the number of boaties being caught out by changes in the weather is likely to increase.
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Who will be affected locally?
Probably more than 20% of the population of the Coast are involved in water born activities.
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There are currently 1411 boat trailers registered on the HBC. |
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Add to this those that are not registered, |
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Those smaller boats on a beach trailer, kayaks and canoes, jet skis etc. |
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There are more than a 1000 vessels at Gulf Harbour. |
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There are more than 270 boats on swing and pile moorings. |
IN ADDITION, The unknown number of trailer boats who visit from outside the district.
This brings me back to the safety concerns of the HSRT which are also shared by Auckland Coastguard.
Following the NZUA presentation I asked the spokesperson why none of the safety concerns had been addressed in either their brochure or presentation. The answer was that they were 'not aware that it was an issue but would be interested in getting more information'. I gave her my contact details. I have not been contacted since the meeting.
What is the justification for this concern?
In 2002, Hibiscus Sea Rescue went to the assistance of more than 60 vessels the majority of which were within the proposed reserve boundaries. Approximately 100 adults and children were involved. In addition, coastguard units from Auckland, North Harbour and Kawau were tasked to assist other disabled vessels in the area. (Details to follow ex AVCG)
In summary the HSR Trustees are very concerned that the adoption of the sea boundaries of the proposed Tiri Tiri Matangi Marine Reserve could have serious consequences in respect to personal safety at sea. Leading to an increased demand on search and rescue services and even loss of life.
A Personal Perspective.
I have deliberately not commented on the content and quality of the rest of the NZUA presentation, as that was not my brief from the Trustees. However, as an individual who has worked closely with some of the worlds' leading medical research scientists. I found the use and abuse of data and statistics to justify establishing the proposed reserve, was at the best naïve and at the worst, thoroughly misleading.
I am not anti marine reserve. I do feel however, that in such an important area as the Hauraki Gulf, there should be a fully co-ordinated plan that is supported by the community at large and not imposed by groups with narrow agendas.
Les Sharman
Administrator, Hibiscus Sea Rescue Trust
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