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Society calls for support for marine animal bill
28 July 2009
Environmental Defence Society
calls on National to support marine animals’
bill
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has called on the National Party to support the first reading of the Marine Animals Protection Law Reform Bill tomorrow.
The Members Bill (Metiria Turei) seeks to provide more balance between conservation and production values in the marine environment.
“There is some suggestion that National and ACT would be voting against the Bill and opposing its referral to a select committee,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
“However there are different messages coming from Ministers and the situation is now confused.
“It would be helpful if National could ensure that the bill is given a first reading tomorrow and referred to a select committee which could then look at whether reform is needed.
“That would give the public and the fishing industry a chance to present submissions on the Bill and look at options for the future.
“There are a number of real problems with the present statutory regime that applies to marine animals. Their future is decided under the Fisheries Act which is about resource utilisation.
“New Zealand is a marine mammal and seabird ‘hotspot’. At least 38 species of dolphin and whale are found here, just under half of the world’s total.
“We also have over 80 species of seabirds, more than anywhere else in the world. Many of the birds are endemic to New Zealand.
We need to do a lot better for these animals some
of which are sliding to extinction,” Mr Taylor
concluded.
ends
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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