Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for the Environment
2 October 2015 Media Statement
NZ aims to improve oceans management
Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith is to lead New Zealand’s delegation to the Our Oceans Conference in Valparaiso, Chile
next week with the aim of improving the management of the world’s oceans.
“Oceans make up 72 per cent of the world, but only two per cent is in protected areas. The populations of marine life
like fish and seabirds have halved over the past 40 years. The biggest problems are in the high seas beyond individual
countries’ jurisdictions, making up about 70 per cent of the oceans, where we need strengthened institutions and rules
to ensure the sustainability of fishing stocks and improved protection of marine life,” Dr Smith says.
The conference is being hosted by the Chilean government, with representation from the United States – led by Secretary
of State John Kerry – as well as from 100 other countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. New Zealand’s
delegation includes Pacific Economic Development Ambassador Shane Jones, ocean law expert Bill Mansfield, and officials
from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Environment. New Zealand environmental organisations are also attending.
“New Zealand’s ambition is to be a leader in oceans management. Our Quota Management System is recognised as being
world’s best practice, and we have more certified sustainable fishing stocks than any other country. The EEZ law and the
establishment of the EPA in 2012 ensures a robust process of environmental checks on mining and other activities in the
ocean,” Dr Smith says.
“We are also setting the benchmark in ocean protection with our newly-announcement Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary. The next
challenge will be the update of our marine protection legislation.
“New Zealand successfully sponsored a United Nations resolution in June calling for new marine protection measures in
the high seas. Countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia have made significant
contributions with new sanctuaries at the Kermadecs, Pitcairn Island, the north east United States islands and the Coral
Sea. This is an opportunity to share experiences and to advance improved ocean sustainability and protection measures.”
Dr Smith will also be holding bilateral meetings in Chile on issues of earthquake resilience, air and water quality and
protected areas management. He returns to New Zealand on 11 October.