Kia ora Friend,
The government is forging ahead with support for ongoing bottom trawling despite widespread public outrage at the damage it is causing to the marine environment.
Two decisions within days of each other confirm the government is committed to allowing bottom trawling, dredging and seining in inshore waters. Both decisions are contrary to the government's vision for healthy and productive oceans.
We've been waiting for tangible evidence the government is serious about its much-vaunted "stewardship" responsibilities. None has been forthcoming.
Instead, we learn this week the government is pressing ahead with the Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan, which is anything but transformative, and the conflicted Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Fisheries Plan, allowing trawling in vast swathes while closing other areas to fishing. Neither of these pass the sniff test of sincerity. |
The government falls short in the Hauraki Gulf |
Today the government announced 19 new marine protected areas (MPAs) where fishing will be banned while allowing the continued use of destructive fishing methods within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. We're gutted. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Fisheries Plan was supposed to be bold. It failed at the first hurdle because it doesn't go far enough.
If the government is serious about restoring biodiversity then we must rebuild fish abundance. We need more fish in the water! More fish in the water is good for the environment, our health and well-being. |