Recreation party disputes DoC marine reserve claim

The Outdoor Recreation Party is challenging an assertion from the Department of Conservation (DoC) that marine reserves are good for fish.

The department said this week scientific data from 12 marine reserves showed significant environmental improvement and increased numbers of finfish and shellfish since 1993.

It cited a proliferation of crayfish in Nelson's Tonga Island reserve as evidence of its success, and said egg production was nine times greater inside it than outside.

Outdoor Recreation Party (ORNZ) chairman Paul Check said yesterday the department's conclusions were worthless in the absence of published and verifiable scientific data.

"While ORNZ is not totally opposed to marine reserves, there are major concerns over the fast-tracking of a large number of coastal marine reserves - largely to the detriment of the recreational fisher - based entirely on what we consider to be unsubstantiated scientific evidence," he said.

"There is no argument that it is extremely important that we preserve the marine environment for future generations, but we also need to get it right."

Mr Check said the marine biologists and scientists collating the data were the same academics who were pushing for "no-take" marine reserves.

ORNZ is affiliated to the United Future Party and will contest the next election under its banner.

- NZPA