BOX 253, KERIKERI

Bid for marine reserve  - Chronicle Feb 23
A recently formed Marine Reserve Action Group is calling for the
establishment of a marine reserve in the Bay of Islands.
The group of concerned individuals believes it is long overdue.
Spokesperson Ian Harris said early discussions with the Department of
Conservation indicated that DoC lacked funds to work through the processes
but could support a proposal coming from the community.
Mr  Harris said, "The whole idea is at a very early stage and an initial
letter has been sent to groups and schools to test the water."
The group would like to hear reaction and suggestions for possible sites.
Mr Harris said the group estimated that about $10,000 would be needed over
some two years to go through the procedure.
"We expect some negative feedback, especially when people are asked to give
up a fishing spot but we  believe that our children should be able to see
the sea as it should be if people didn't take everything that moved out of
it."
He said evidence overseas showed that fishing improved in areas near marine
reserves. For example after a third of the Bahamas became reserve, there was
48 to 90 percent improvement in catches in surrounding areas.
At Leigh Marine Reserve, established on a 5km piece of coast north of
Auckland some 23 years ago,  as many young crayfish were produced as in the
next 10 km of coastline.
The concept of marine reserves for the Bay of Islands dates back at least
ten years when DoC, with the Ministry of Fisheries, drew up a plan in line
with suggestions from the BOI Swordfishing Club.
It was proposed that fishing be banned in the Waikino Inlet near Opua, Hutia
Creek at Waitangi, Black Rocks and the waters around Motuarohia (Roberton)
Island. Other areas were identified for seasonal closure and closure to net
and commercial fishers.
Since then processes, involving iwi, have been set in motion to restrict
fishing at Deepwater Cove and Te Puna Inlet.
More recently Taronui Bay has been suggested as a suitable site for a marine
reserve.