Friday October 21, 2016

DOC reminds Auckland boaties to respect Hauraki Gulf Marine Park reserves

The three-day Labour Weekend holiday marks the start of the summer for many Auckland boat owners.

Ahead of the long weekend, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding boat owners that there are six marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. And that all marine life in a marine reserve is protected and can’t be removed.

“Boaties need to know where the six marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park are,” says DOC Auckland Marine Ranger Dr Krista Hupman. “And they need to know all marine life in a marine reserve is protected by law and can’t be removed.”

“This means it’s illegal to catch fish or try to catch fish in a marine reserve.”
It’s also illegal to take shellfish or any other marine life, alive or dead from a marine reserve. And it’s illegal to remove any part of the habitat such as shells, rocks or seaweed from a marine reserve.

“Anyone taking marine life from a marine reserve risks a fine of up to $250,000, up to three months imprisonment or both,” says DOC marine ranger Dr Krista Hupman.

“Marine life and the habit in marine reserves is protected so scientists can study areas where the marine life and its habitat is left undisturbed,” says Dr Hupman.

Marine reserves also protect marine life, natural features and underwater scenery in areas that are recognised as having national significance.

Many marine reserves are also popular recreational and tourist destinations where people can see and enjoy the abundant marine life.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has six marine reserves:
• Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (also known as Goat Island), near Leigh
• Long Bay-Okura, north of Auckland
• Motu Manawa-Pollen Island, in the upper Waitemata Harbour
• Te Matuku, off the southern end of Waiheke Island
• Te Whanganui A Hei (Cathedral Cove), near Whitianga
• Tāwharanui, about 90 km north of Auckland
Activities not allowed in marine reserves
• Catching or attempting to catch fish
• Removing any marine life, alive or dead - this includes shellfish and seaweed
• Removing the habitat - this includes shell, rocks and sand
• Disturbing marine life or the marine environment
• Feeding the fish
• Discharging waste or dropping litter
“Protecting the marine life and habitat in marine reserves enables the fish and other marine life to thrive,” says Dr Hupman.

“This gives us all the chance to see and enjoy abundant marine life in their natural environment.”

For further information about marine reserves locations and rules/regulations visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/marine/marine-reserves-a-z/

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