Letter to the Editor, Tuesday March 17, 2015

One more time

Open letter to Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries, regarding Houhora Harbour marine exploitation and recreational status request.

Dear Minister,

We reiterate the recreational value of fish irrespective of species far outweigh the commercial take.

Local iwi and local government support our stance.

Precedence for recreational status already exists with the granting of this to the Kawhia Harbour.

It is your claim that the fishery is being managed in a sustainable manner, however there is no concrete evidence to support this. The number of local long-line fishermen has steadily declined with the advent of a reduction in catch potential. When inquiries are made as to the scientific methods used for fish stock evaluation there is never a satisfactory reply, if a reply is received at all.

Evidence from local fishermen, gathered since the early 1960s, shows that fish stocks are seriously depleted.

We realise that the industry is a significant earner of overseas funds and as such the government is reluctant to act in a manner which is seen to be adversarial to that industry.

However governance is for the benefit of the resident population, and in this instance there is a large body of proof that this area has been consistently ignored, possibly soon to the government's cost.

The Houhora Harbour is small. It helps to sustain local people when not commercially fished.

The appeal for recreational status is not precedent-setting as this has previously been granted to others.

The request is supported by iwi and local government.

You have an opportunity to be proactive and create a working model for proof of value to base a Hauraki Gulf Recreational Fishing Park on at little cost, or challenge to government. The harbour due to the size would be ideal to base a case-effects study on.

This would provide a win-win situation for both the community and government.

ERIC WAGENER

Secretary, Houhora Riding Settlers and Ratepayer's Association