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From: David Clarkson BAY OF IS
_: 5
Date: 28-08-10
Time: 16:02
Hon Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservation Parliament Buildings Wellington.
Dear Madam,
I am astounded by your decision of the 20th August 2010 to decline the application for the proposed Akaroa Marine Reserve.
There is little research that I am aware of in NZ dealing with the effects that Marine Reserves (MR’s) have on fish stocks from a fishing point of view.
That notwithstanding, just seeing the number of recreational fishermen “fishing the line” i.e anchored just outside the boundary at both the Whangarei Harbour MR and the Goat Is MR is as powerful argument as any research paper could possibly be.
However, world-wide there is much sound evidence pointing to the fact that “no take” MR’s boost neighbouring fishing, such as -
Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s), if well managed, help fish stocks replenish, which then increases yields in neighbouring areas. (Carl Gustaf Lundin, Head, IUCN Global Marine Programme).
MPA’s are not only good for Biodiversity, but also make money. (Julia Marton-Lefevre, Director General, IUCN).
In the Egyptian Red Sea, 5 years after the establishment of Marine Reserves, fishing has increased by 66% in neighbouring areas. (IUCN Marine Protected Areas Summit).
MPA’s have already proved their worth through increased tourism and income from controlled fisheries. (2nd Annual International Protected Areas Congress, Washington,DC).
Marine Reserves world-wide have led to increases in abundance, body size, biomass, and reproductive output of exploited species. We now have strong evidence that with the support of local communities, Marine Reserves offer a highly effective management tool. (Gell & Roberts, WWF).
After 15 years of closure, fishermen support for the Port Erin Closed Area, Isle of Man, began to grow as they witnessed benefits to fisheries in adjacent areas, including increasing catches. (F Gell, Dept A.F.F,Isle of Man. Feb 2010).
In all cases the reserves are perceived to be increasing the biomass of harvestable fish, invertebrates and biodiversity. (MacKay, Community Managed MPA’s in Pacific Islands).
There are also multiple case studies from all parts of the world, showing increased catches in areas adjacent to MR’s in such places as – - West coast of Hawaii. - Navakavu Locally Managed Area, Fiji. - Kulape-Batu-Batu MPA, Philippines. - The comparison between Sumilon and Apo MR’s, provide a stark contrast once the reserve status ceased on Sumilon in 1984, with a subsequent dramatic crash in fish populations in the surrounding areas of Sumilon. - Lundy Island No Take Zone, UK. - Hol Chan MR, Belize. - Puerto Morelos, Mexico. - Cuero y Salado, Honduras.
Probably the most easily understood example is in National Geographic News of Dec 4 2001, in which Bijal P Trivedi has published an article entitled “Marine Reserves Found to Boost Nearby Fishing Grounds” dealing with the work of Callum Roberts, University of York, UK.
This article may be simply accessed by using the following website address – http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/12/1204_TVmarinereserves.html
I look forward to your reply justifying your decision, which in my opinion, appears to fly in the face of worldwide evidence.
Alternatively you could revisit your decision and admit that a mistake had been made.
Yours faithfully,
David Clarkson,
Last changed: 23-Jul-2011