Wrangling over Marine reserve

By ANNE BESTON environment reporter

Conservationists are delighted by the prospect of a giant marine reserve at Great Barrier Island - but fishers are horrified by the proposal.

At close to 60,000ha the reserve would dwarf others around New Zealand such as Leigh's Goat Island reserve (520ha) and the new Te Matuku reserve at Waiheke Island (700ha).

The Kermadec and sub-Antarctic Island marine reserves are bigger but are remote and inaccessible compared with the popular boating playground of Great Barrier.

The proposed 52,772ha reserve includes about 25km of remote, rugged coastline and an untouched surf beach at the northern end of the island. It stretches to the 12-mile territorial limit.

"This sets a far-reaching precedent. This is just being blatantly greedy," said Recreational Fishing Council executive member Keith Ingram.

Fishers would fight the plan, which would shut down rock lobster grounds and a key game fishing area for marlin and tuna, he said.

But Conservation Minister Chris Carter has made it clear that marine reserves are a priority for his department.

He has signed off on two in the past six months - at the Auckland Islands and Te Matuku.

The Government is also expected to put legislation before the House this year that would give the Conservation Minister sole charge of creating new marine reserves without having to get approval from the Fisheries Minister, often seen by conservationists as the biggest stumbling block to creating new marine reserves.

Forest and Bird conservation manager Eric Pyle said he was delighted with the Great Barrier proposal. "It's just the sort of bold initiative we are looking for from this Government."

Comments to DoC close on June 30.

Herald Feature: Environment

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine