Conservation

Sub-Antartic Islands Marine Reserves

1 year ago

by dive mistress in Conservation

The New Zealand Government made an announcement on Saturday 29 January 2011 regarding the creation of Marine Reserves around three sub-Antartic islands.

The reserves are planned around Antipodes Island, the Bounty Islands and Campbell Island.
The area will cover 435,163ha.

Saturday, 29 January 2011, 6:11 pm

New Zealand Fur Seals

Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Kate Wilkinson
Minister of Conservation

Hon Phil Heatley
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

29 January 2011 Media Statement

Kate Wilkinson said that securing marine reserves around New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands recognises how unique the marine environment in the area is.

“These islands boast World Heritage status in recognition of their international conservation importance and amazing wildlife. But what is less well-known is that this picture continues beneath the surface.

“Some of the most biologically-diverse marine communities in the world are found here and recent research shows that their diversity compares with locations such as the Galapagos Islands.

“The Subantarctic Islands are renowned globally and are a huge attraction for the burgeoning eco-tourism industry. Protecting the surrounding waters is sure to add to the prestige of this remote area.”

Mr Heatley says the results achieved highlighted the benefits of conservation and fishing interests working together to assess the merits of marine protection.

“The Subantarctics are a unique area and not currently widely fished due to their remote location. The prohibition on any future Danish seining is a sensible step.

“We have allowed for the continuation of long-lining for ling in some areas around the Bounty Islands, as this method is targeted and has a limited by-catch.

“There is also going to be a five-year window to allow for a potential deep-water crab fishery to be explored in the territorial sea beyond the marine reserve around Campbell Island.

“At the end of that period, it will be decided whether a crab fishery can be established or whether the entire territorial sea should become a marine reserve.”

The Ministers wished to thank the Subantarctic Marine Protection Forum, chaired by Buddle Findlay partner Paul Beverley, which conducted a tremendous amount of work consulting on and assessing the marine protection options.

When complete, the new marine protected areas will boost the area of New Zealand’s territorial sea that is protected to over 10 percent.

Greenpeace – Rainbow Warrior III needs your help

1 year ago

by dive mistress in Conservation

An illustration of the third incarnation of the Rainbow Warrior, which is being purpose-built in Poland.

The third Rainbow Warrior is to take to the water next year.

The 25th anniversary of the bombing of the original Greenpeace flagship in Auckland was in July and the organisation is calling for New Zealand support for Rainbow Warrior III.

Bunny McDiarmid, executive director of Greenpeace, said the third Rainbow Warrior would “not only carry the name but it will carry on the spirit”.

Rainbow Warrior III is being built in Poland and the protest group hopes it will be finished by October next year.

Greenpeace has already received $100,000 in donations but needs $400,000 more.
On October 20, the organisation is holding an auction to raise money for the new vessel.

People from around the country have donated items to the auction to assist in the fundraising.

A morning tea with Shortland Street stars and paintings from prominent New Zealand artists are included.

Ms McDiarmid, who was a crew member on the original Rainbow Warrior, said the new boat was a necessity for Greenpeace as the Rainbow Warrior II was 57 years old.

“She is very old and the amount of work we had to put into her was not becoming worth the effort,” she said.

The original Rainbow Warrior was bombed in 1985 by French intelligence agents to prevent it from protesting at Mururoa against nuclear tests there. The ship now rests at the bottom of Matauri Bay in Northland.

Ms McDiarmid said the new campaigning vessel would be an integral tool for Greenpeace and it would sail all over the world.