40 Mahurangi Matters February 18, 2015 sea weekfeature

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As hundreds-of-thousands of people visit Mahurangi marine reserves every year, local marine biologist Dr Roger Grace is pushing to create more reserves along the coast.Dr Grace is advocating for 10 per cent of the Hauraki Gulf to be set aside as marine reserve and is developing a map to show what that might look like.Currently, only 0.3 per cent of the gulf is protected in six marine reserves.The plan is still being developed but includes possible sites at Te Arai/Mangawhai, areas of the estuary of Whangateau Harbour, and near Kawau Island.“It’s not just about the number of marine reserves, but the variety,” Dr Grace says.“It’s crucial that the full range of habitats is represented because they act as a control and show what the areas could look like without fishing. This will give us a better understanding of how best to manage them.”The proposal formed part of a presentation Dr Grace made to Sea Change’s Biodiversity and Security Round Table, which he sits on.Sea Change involves a wide range of groups who are creating a marine spatial plan for the Hauraki Gulf

Push for more marine reserves in Hauraki

Marine reserve facts•0.3 per cent of the Hauraki Gulf

is protected in marine reserves.•There are six marine reserves in the

Gulf – Goat Island, Tawharanui, Long Bay, Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke Island and Cathedral Cove.

•Nine per cent of NZ’s ocean is protected. The majority lies in the Auckland Islands and Kermadec Islands, and only about one per cent is coastal.

based on a consensus, incorporating the interests of the variety of users of the gulf.The spatial plan will not be legally binding on government or councils, but will provide recommendations for improved management of the gulf. It is due out in September.Dr Grace says the proposal was strongly opposed by commercial and recreational fishing representatives on the round table, but was supported by the majority of the representatives. However, as Sea Change is built on consensus, any proposal that does not receive unanimous support does not progress to the Steering Committee

for consideration in the final report. Although Dr Grace’s research will still be included in evidence available to the committee.“But Sea Change is not the end of the line for creating more marine reserves. It’s a great opportunity, but it’s just the beginning,” he says.“One way or another, we will make progress towards greater marine protection.”The popularity of marine reserves was highlighted in a recent Auckland Council survey, which found more people visit marine reserves than go fishing.The survey had nearly 3000 responses

and found 39 per cent had visited a marine reserve in the past 12 months, while only 24 per cent had gone fishing.A 2008 report, commissioned by DOC, estimated that 375,000 people visit Cape Rodney Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) every year, bringing in about $18.6 million to the local economy.Nationally, nine per cent of NZ’s ocean is protected, but the majority lies around the Auckland and Kermadec Islands, and only about one per cent is close to the mainland. By comparison, national and regional parks make up about 30 per cent of NZ’s land area.Additionally, restoring the natural environment on land requires much more effort than creating a marine reserve.“All you have to do is stop fishing. No planting, no weeding, no pest control – just stop fishing and the ecology will recover all by itself,” Dr Grace says.

Local marine biologist Dr Roger Grace is pushing for 10 per cent of the Hauraki Gulf to be put into marine reserves like Goat Island.

41 February 18, 2015 Mahurangi Matters sea weekfeature

GOAT ISLANDMARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE

28 February to 8 March 2015

NZ ASSOCIATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Look beneath the surfaceSaturday 28 February11am Marine Science Research Presentation**

What whale sounds occur in the Hauraki Gulf

2pm Guided Tour of the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre

Sunday 1 March11am Marine Science Research Presentation**

Can sharks detect underwater power cables

2pm Guided Tour of the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre

Saturday 7 March11am Marine Science Research Presentation** What whale sounds occur in the Hauraki Gulf

2pm Guided Tour of the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre

Sunday 8 March

Seaweek FUN Day – prizes galore!

10.30am Fishy Dress Up Competition and Judging*

11am Fishy Dress Up Prize giving (give out prizes and certificates)*

12pm Feed the Fish and Invertebrates**

1pm Look Beneath the Waves Activity Sheet**

2pm Guest Speaker: Marine Biologist**

2.30pm Beach Clean Up Competition*

3pm Rock Pool Tour ($5 per person)

3.30pm Beach Clean Up weigh in and Prize giving – who found the most rubbish!*

All Day Face painter**

All Day Coffee Spot Van

* Free event | ** Discovery Centre Admission

For more information about Seaweek visit

www.goatislandmarine.co.nz/events-2015

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There are three snorkel days, two coastal walks, activities for children and educational lectures as part of this year’s Seaweek programme.Free guided snorkel days are being held at Tawharanui on March 8, Matheson Bay on March 22 and Goat Island on March 23.Over 100 people attended a guided snorkel day in Whangateau this month with snorkelers ranging from five to 80 years old.Experiencing Marine Reserves programme director Samara Nicholas says she couldn’t believe the response.“We had people lining up at 9am and we had to extend the event by an hour to get everyone through,” she says.“A lot of locals came through saying ‘we didn’t realise this was in our backyard’. We will be making it an annual event now.”Samara hopes next month’s snorkel days will get even more people to explore the coast.“Tawharanui is an incredibly successful marine reserve. You can see crayfish walking in the open.“Having snorkel days back-to-back at Goat Island and Matheson Bay will also make for a great weekend.

“They have a similar habitat so you can make a direct comparison, which highlights the impact a marine reserve can make. “Matheson Bay is still a beautiful place to snorkel, but all the kelp forest has died and you don’t see the diversity or the large fish that you see at Goat Island.”Mahurangi Action Group is hosting two walks on the Mahurangi Coastal Trail, which runs through three regional parks from Waiwera to Sullivans Bay.There is a low-tide walk on Saturday February 29, starting at the Waiwera Bridge at 9.30am. The trail includes a knee-deep crossing of the Puhoi River and some steep sections.There is a high-tide walk on Sunday, March 8 at 9.30am with a ferry running to cross the Puhoi River. To register interest, phone 422 0872, 027 462 4872 or email strategy@mahurangi.org.nz.Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre is also hosting a range of guided tours, fish feeding, research presentations and fun competitions for children on Saturday February 28, Sunday March 1 and Saturday March 7.

Hundreds are expected to take part in free guided snorkel days at Tawharanui, Matheson Bay and Goat Island next month.

Full calendar for Seaweek