Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
DOC is risking sea lions slide to extinction
Environmental Defence Society says DOC is risking sea lions slide to extinction
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has responded to the announcement by the Department of Conservation that it is releasing a Species Management Plan for the New Zealand Sea Lion.
"This so-called Species Management Plan is a disgrace," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
"The Species Management Plan is non-statutory, has no teeth, covers too short a time frame (5 years) to make any difference and is full of waffle. It is a clear sign that DOC is prepared to risk the extinction of the New Zealand Sea Lion.
"What is required is a Population Management Plan (PMP) under the Marine Mammals Act 1978. This would address one of the main threats to population recovery, the impacts of fishing activity. But DOC has abandoned that approach allegedly because "significant new information" has become available. But that information - whatever it is - has not been made public.
"A PMP has teeth. Its prime role is to set the maximum number of sea lions which can be killed by the fishing industry each year. By law, this number must allow the species to achieve non-threatened status within 20 years.
"The New Zealand Sea Lion is the rarest sea lion species in the world. It was hunted to near extinction during the early 1800s and has only made a slow recovery since.
"By refusing to use the key statutory tool available for managing the species back to sustainable population levels, DOC is either being negligent or is acknowledging deficiencies in the existing law and underlining the need for reform.
"EDS considers that the Minister of Conservation needs to intervene and provide some much-needed leadership in this matter. We either need a PMP, or legal reform to provide other effective statutory tools to ensure the recovery of this unique, endemic species," Gary 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.
SolarZero Affected Staff: SolarZero Staff Are Demanding Answers After The Company Went Into Liquidation
Tātau Tātau O Te Wairoa: Guidance To Save Local Newspapers Amid NZME Closures
Commerce Commission: Systemic Breaches Of Consumer Law Lead To $1.5million Fine For Kiwibank
SolarZero: SolarZero Limited (in Liquidation) - Important Business Update
Science Media Centre: Cyclone Gabrielle's Impacts On NZ's Ecosystems - Expert Reaction
RNZ: Parts Of Power System Could Be Out For 36 Hours In Event Of Extreme Solar Storm
