A new approach to marine reserve management looks to extend guardianship and protection of Otago\u2019s unique off-shore environment.<\/p>\n
Five new marine reserves will come into effect off Otago\u2019s coast next month, protecting 304sq km, or 4%, of the region\u2019s coastal marine area.<\/p>\n
The marine reserves are fully protected, no-take areas intended to minimise human disturbance and, once in place, will be co-managed by the Department of Conservation and K\u0101i Tahu.<\/p>\n
Te R\u016bnanga o \u014ct\u0101kou upoko Edward Ellison said the marine reserves and management approach were an \u2018\u2018outstanding result\u2019\u2019 after 30 years of work and engagement.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It’s really about continuing what we’ve been doing on the land for 34-odd years with … the Department of Conservation and councils and extending our kaitiakitaka [guardianship and protection] into the marine area in a more active way.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The network of reserves, previously known as the South-East Marine Protection Network, is named Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia, acknowledging K\u0101i Tahu ancestral explorers and long-standing connections to the coastal landscape.<\/p>\n
Mr Ellison said the name referred to the long wake or enduring ocean pathway of Te Rakihouia, son of the great explorer R\u0101kaihaut\u016b and the first-known human to journey along and around the coastline of the South Island.<\/p>\n
Te Au Roa would complement existing m\u0101taitai and tai\u0101pure reserves in the area, providing opportunity for habitats and animals to become \u2018\u2018more abundant and diverse over time while sustaining our deep connection with the moana and coastline\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I think what it’s going to do along our Otago coast is really open up another engagement relationship with our w\u0101naka [learning] for ourselves, but also the communities and understand better just what’s happening within our waters,\u2019\u2019 Mr Ellison said.<\/p>\n
Governance and management structures recognising the rakatirataka [authority] and kaitiakitaka of Te R\u016bnanga o Moeraki, K\u0101ti Huirapa R\u016bnaka ki Puketeraki and Te R\u016bnanga o \u014ct\u0101kou in their rohe [territories] would help ensure decisions on the network\u2019s management reflected customary practices and local knowledge, he said.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Doc operations director Aaron Fleming said a team of Doc and K\u0101i Tahu rangers would carry out day-to-day management and monitoring of the reserves while, in a new approach, decision-making would be shared between the two parties.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We\u2019re excited to get to this point and look forward to the benefits marine protection will bring to Otago\u2019s amazing marine life and the region.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the new reserves were a significant step forward for conservation in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It protects special places, strengthens biodiversity, and helps ensure future generations can experience the extraordinary marine life that makes the Deep South unique.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The marine reserves were gazetted on May 28 and preparations are under way for July 1, when they come into effect, including developing maps, signage and information for the public.<\/p>\n
The boundaries of a sixth marine reserve southeast of Shag Point, Te Umuk\u014dau, are being reconsidered following consultation with the Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association and others involved in recent judicial review proceedings.<\/p>\n
The Conservation Minister is to decide on the new boundaries.<\/p>\n