The Department of Conservation’s application for a huge marine reserve at Great Barrier Island (Aotea) was rejected by the Fisheries Minister as it does not fulfill many criteria. Anderton acknowledged the impact a 495sq km reserve would have on Ngati Rehua and their ability to manage areas of significance to them. Anderton recognised the effect of the proposed reserve on the local economy, lifestyle and the associated value to commercial, customary and amateur fishers.
According to him the island community can continue to exercise their common law right to fish and the wider public can continue to enjoy the marine environment of the outer Hauraki Gulf. He also said that the decision notes the balancing exercise required when considering appropriate marine protection for remote areas. It is fact that a marine reserve of this magnitude would also have excluded from management the very community that DoC would have relied on to police such a large area.
It is observed that is the Fisheries Minister is involved in the process there will be hope for all fishing interest groups. It is now become essential that some steps should be taken to make progress on future marine protection for Aotea will require a public apology from the DoC. Nothing less will suffice.
