Eco group wants bill to get hearing

The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has called on the National Party and Act MPs to send a bill framed by the Green Party to a select committee.

The Marine Animals Protection Law Reform Bill put together by Metiria Turei was drawn from private members' bills this month, but risks being cut at its first reading today.

"There is some suggestion that National and Act would be voting against the bill and opposing its referral to a select committee," EDS chairman Gary Taylor said yesterday. "However, there are different messages coming from ministers and the situation is now confused.

"It would be helpful if National could ensure that the bill is given a first reading and referred to a select committee which could then look at whether reform is needed. That would give the public and the fishing industry a chance to present submissions."

Mr Taylor said there were problems with the present laws covering marine animals, because their future was decided under the Fisheries Act which is about taking fish.

"New Zealand is a marine mammal and seabird 'hotspot'," he said. "At least 38 species of dolphin and whale are found here, just under half of the world's total."

There were also over 80 species of seabirds, he said.

The drawing of the bill to be considered as legislation coincided with Department of Conservation director-general Al Morrison disclosing to MPs that DoC can no longer make applications for new marine reserves.

Ms Turei said at the time that National had never supported DoC's advocacy role.

- NZPA