Marine Reserves Needed To Help Solve The Marlborough Sounds Fisheries Crisis
As part of its I love marine reserves campaign, Forest and Bird is calling for a network of marine reserves to be
established throughout the Marlborough Sounds to help solve the fisheries crisis. Currently there is one formal marine
reserve and a few informal ones in the Marlborough Sounds.
"The dire state of the fishery highlights the need for more marine reserves in the Marlborough Sounds," says Eric Pyle
Forest and Bird's Conservation Manager. "The collapse of the fishery in the Marlborough Sounds highlights the fact that
the quota management system does not provide the total solution to sustainable fisheries management".
In addition to their scientific and conservation values, marine reserves benefit fish stocks and lead to an overall
increase in fish numbers. "Everyone wins with marine reserves; fishers, people wanting to swim with lots of fish in the
sea and conservationists," says Mr Pyle.
Marine reserves are also very popular with the public. More New Zealanders visit marine reserves than visit national
parks. "A network of marine reserves in the Marlborough Sounds would create significant tourism opportunities," says Mr
Pyle.
"The spillover from marine reserves makes a significant contribution to fisheries" says Mr Pyle. "Also, fish grow bigger
in marine reserves and bigger fish produce more young meaning, potentially, more recruitment into the fishery". In the
Hauraki Gulf scientists estimate that 5km of marine reserve coast produces as many snapper eggs as 90 km of fished
coast.
"Scientific research is showing that marine reserves are needed as part of a sustainable system of marine management"
says Mr Pyle. "Marine reserves are needed together with the quota management system and effective enforcement of
recreational fishing rules to ensure there are fish for the future". Forest and Bird also recognises the role Maori
fisheries management tools, such as rahui, taiapure and mataitai can play in enhancing biodiversity and that these can
be complementary to no-take marine reserves.
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