EMABARGOED UNTIL 2PM 20 JANUARY
Office of the
PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Te Kaitiaki Taiao a Te Whare Päremata
"Setting Course For A Sustainable Future"-PCE Report Recommends Major Re-crafting Of Marine Policies And Systems
Wellington, 20 January 2000-The enormous ecological, economic and cultural value of New Zealand's marine environment may
not be realised unless we dramatically increase our understanding of the marine world and make some major changes to
existing management systems, said the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in a report presented today in
Parliament.
"New Zealand can not afford another Spirits Bay, Poor Knights oil spill, or boom-bust orange roughy fishery. The values
and management systems that permitted these desecrations will not sustain New Zealand's marine ecosystems and industries
in the 21st century," said Dr Morgan Williams, commenting on his report today.
"Setting a new, more sustainable course will be a challenge requiring strategic and innovative approaches. There is no
doubt that there is a way forward, and I have recommended to the Prime Minister that an Oceans Task Force be set up to
develop a strategy and action plan for the future sustainable management of our marine environment," he said.
The report-Setting Course for a Sustainable Future: The Management of New Zealand's Marine Environment-is an overview
investigation that examines: the continuum of values and expectations, the range of rights and responsibilities, and the
adequacy of existing information to manage the large and complex systems that make up the marine environment.
"The overview study of New Zealand's marine world shows a picture that is full of opportunity and optimism, yet deeply
disturbing in its narrow and fragmented focus and limited ability to acknowledge and integrate both ecological and
economic values," reports Dr Williams.
The report's key findings state that:
· New Zealand's lack of marine knowledge is a serious environmental and economic risk.
· Current marine management structures are arbitrary, fragmented, and lacking a coherent overarching strategic focus
that integrates diverse interests and values.
· Tangata whenua are strategic partners in achieving marine sustainability.
· The current commercial fisheries rights regime cannot, by itself, ensure sustainable management of the resource.
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For more information contact: Dr Morgan Williams, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on (04) 495 8357 or
(025) 410 048.