Marine reserve extension rejected
The Government has again bowed to fishing industry pressure and refused to extend a marine reserve around Campbell Island, a subantarctic sanctuary recognised for its value in conserving and maintaining unique creatures.
Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku is uninhabited and is New Zealand’s southern-most island. It is accepted as one of the most pristine places on Earth and an important breeding ground for seabirds and marine mammals.
The move has exposed a split between the Green Party and its Government partner Labour over protection of the oceans.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says she backed enlarging the sanctuary. But she was overruled by Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash, who sided with industrial fishing interests.
In 2014, the National-led Government established a marine reserve over 39 per cent of the territorial sea around the island group to protect marine species and habitats. The legislation required a review within five years to consider whether the additional 61 per cent of sea be included in the reserve.
In February, consultancy Envirostrat, appointed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), recommended to Sage that the reserve be extended. The final decision was due in March.
On Monday, after inquiries by Stuff, DOC announced there would be no extra protection. It comes after Nga¯i Tahu apparently changed its position. Five years ago, when the reserve was established by the Subantarctic Islands Marine Reserve Act, the iwi argued for full protection. A Treasury impact statement from the time shows Nga¯i Tahu had stated there was no customary fishing in the area.
Sage said she supported the extension of the marine reserve ‘‘in line with the recommendation of the independent review’’. ‘‘However the Minister of Fisheries [Stuart Nash] did not agree due to concerns raised by the Crown’s Treaty partner, Nga¯ i Tahu, and other stakeholders.
‘‘Therefore, the Campbell Island/Moutere Ihupuku Marine Reserve will not be extended to the remaining 61 per cent of the island group’s territorial sea under the Subantarctic Islands Marine Reserves Act. Choosing not to extend the marine reserve under this act does not preclude other marine protection options being considered for this area in the future.’’
In a written statement, a spokeswoman for Nash said exactly the same thing.
The islands are one of the world’s outstanding albatross breeding grounds and one of two
subantarctic breeding grounds for the New Zealand sea lion and Southern elephant seals.
Kevin Hackwell of conservation advocates Forest and Bird said the decision was ‘‘very disappointing and very sad’’.
‘‘Ultimately, it works against the fishing industry because marine protected areas replenish stocks.’’
Nga¯ i Tahu, Te Ohu Kaimoana have been contacted for comment.