Proposal concerns fisheries

New marine protected areas stretching from Timaru to Southland could impact the local fishing industry, commercial fisheries say.

The government-appointed South-East Marine Protection Forum has proposed three marine protection areas be created near Timaru and Oamaru.

They form part of a network of 20 proposed sites, which aim to protect coastal habitats and ecosystems, from Timaru to Waipapa Point.

Forum chair Maree BakerGalloway said the aim of the proposal was to protect biodiversity and a representative example of every type of habitat in the region.

‘‘In particular, to protect rare and engendered species that make up biodiversity.’’

In doing so, it tried to minimise adverse effects the sanctuaries would have on existing users, including commercial fisheries, she said.

It followed two years of research and consultation with iwi, stakeholders and the community.

Two types of sanctuaries are proposed - marine reserves, which restrict all fishing, and marine protected areas (MPA), which allow recreational fishing but restrict commercial fishing.

An MPA near Timaru would connect with an existing Mataitai Reserve at Lagoon Dr, extending 1.1 kilometres offshore and 4.4km to Pareora.

Two sanctuaries - a marine reserve including a possible extension and an MPA - were proposed for the Waitaki coast.

Both combined would begin near the coast at Morven, Waimate, extending out to sea 11km, and southward 30km, finishing 16km offshore of Oamaru.

The two were important areas for seabirds, blue penguins and Hector’s dolphins, and a particular area of interest to marine scientists.

Commercial fisheries are concerned about the proposed sanctuaries.

Sanford chief operations officer Greg Johansson said while its main investment in Timaru was in deep water, it had one vessel and several independent fisheries which would be affected by the proposal.

The forum was asked to present areas worthy of marine protection with ‘‘very little science understanding’’ about what was under the water, Johansson said.

‘‘Over the next few months, the opportunity now exists for both recreational and commercial fishers to give their views.’’

Oamaru commercial fisherman Bill Harvey said the proposals worried him.

‘‘I think it’s a load of bull**** actually.’’

He was involved in the process at the beginning, when the proposed sanctuaries were ‘‘realistic’’. However, their size had grown.

‘‘I’m effectively worried about everything. We don’t know what’s going to happen.’’

Baker-Galloway said commercial fisheries and recreational fisheries would be affected depending on the type of sanctuary proposed.

However, that is what the consultation process was all about.

‘‘People can tell us whether that’s right or wrong.’’

The proposal comes after a survey by the marine protection forum which found South Canterbury and North Otago residents supported marine protection.

The final recommendations would be considered by the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries.

Public consultation is now open until December 20.

Contacted on Monday, Ngai Tahu has not provided a response.