New Zealand plans to create marine reserve in Oceania

Pew Environment Group, one of several groups which had lobbied for the creation of the reserve, said it effectively expands New Zealand’s protection of its marine environment from 0.5% to 15.5% of its marine spaces. The area covers about 15 percent of the country’s exclusive economic zone that will fully be protected from fishing and mining.

The world’s longest chain of underwater volcanoes and one of the deepest ocean trenches are both lying on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary that makes it geologically significant.

According to The Guardian (UK), “The area is considered crucial in terms of biodiversity, featuring almost 35 species of whales and dolphins, 150 types of fish and three of the world’s seven sea turtle species”. Creating the sanctuary as protected area will support the New Zealand’s fisheries as well as its Pacific neighbours, to “help grow Pacific economies through the responsible management of their ocean resources”.

“We have made good progress in protecting our territorial sea with 10 new marine reserves created a year ago in the Sub-Antarctics, Akaroa, Kaikoura and the West Coast, bringing the total to 44”.

The announcement on Kermadec sanctuary by Key comes after New Zealand and Australia chose to start efforts to establish largest marine sanctuary in the world. The move was welcomed by environmentalists.

Official records show Te Ohu Kaimoana hadn’t fished in the area for the past five years and were also told of the decision before it was announced.

“With no forewarning from government, the industry needs time to consider the full implications”, said George Clement, chairman of industry body Seafood New Zealand.

But Environment Minister Nick Smith says the claim is a red herring and there is “strong support” for the sanctuary.

The sanctuary will prevent fishing and mineral exploitation in an area where marine scientists regularly discover new marine species.