ARC Chairman welcomes shellfish decision

ARC Chairman welcomes shellfish decision

ARC Chairman Michael Lee has congratulated Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton on closing Cockle Bay and Umupuia Beach to shellfish gathering.

"I'd like to thank the Hon Jim Anderton for this very sensible decision.

"The coastline around Auckland is under increasing pressure from shellfish gathering and other activities. It's important that the Minister takes action like this from time to time - it can often be the only way to conserve our precious shellfish resources."

Umupuia Beach, near Maraetai, borders the popular Duder Regional Park, 50 minutes from downtown Auckland. Monitoring has shown a marked decrease in its cockle population, from 96 million in 2000 to 12 million in 2006.

"There is no cause for complacency in our battle to protect the Hauraki Gulf."

For further information call ARC Chairman Michael Lee on 0274 943 198, or Glyn Walters, Communications Team Leader 366 2000 ext 8114.

Notes for editors: the Hauraki Gulf Forum website has further information on the environmental pressures facing the Gulf - go to http://www.arc.govt.nz/environment/coastal-and-marine/hauraki-gulf-forum/hauraki-gulf-forum_home.cfm

ENDS