Sunday September 14 2013

Forest & Bird media release for immediate use

Forest & Bird welcomes new marine reserve

The announcement of the approval of a new marine reserve in Akaroa Harbour by the Minister of Conservation, Nick Smith, was welcomed today by conservation organisation Forest & Bird.

"In the 17 years since the Akaroa Harbour Marine Protection Society applied for a reserve to be created, there has been a lot of consultation, community and stakeholder discussions and formal submission processes, as well as a successful judicial review of the previous minister's decision to deny the application," says Forest & Bird's Advocacy Manager, Kevin Hackwell.

"We are very pleased that a decision in favour of establishing the reserve has finally been made, and hope that the compromise of a slight reduction in size will address the concerns of the local iwi and recreational fishers.

"It is often been our experience that those marine reserves that are initially opposed, end up being well-accepted by the community, as they provide new recreational opportunities, stimulate tourism, and act as a nursery that boosts marine life in surrounding waters.

"Forest & Bird is confident that this no-take marine reserve will complement the existing and adjacent taiapure (an area which local tangata whenua co-manage) as a means of managing the marine resources of the very popular Akaroa Harbour.

"It will also reinforce Akaroa's appeal as a natural history tourism destination, which is presently based on the presence of Hector's dolphins in and around the harbour," Kevin Hackwell says.

ENDS

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