Key Takeaways:
- The increase in demand for sea life has led to the overharvesting of species in rock pools along the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other coastlines in Auckland.
- The removal of marine life from rock pools can have a significant impact on the ecosystem, making it difficult for species to re-establish themselves.
- There is a need for increased education and enforcement to manage the activity and prevent damage to the environment.
- Local iwi and communities are taking action to try to stop the overharvesting of shore life, including applying for a two-year legal ban on harvesting all shellfish and seaweed from rock pools.
- The government is considering the request and is expected to make a decision next month.
Introduction to the Issue
The coastal community of Whangaparāoa in Auckland has seen a significant increase in the number of people gathering sea life from rock pools, leading to concerns about the sustainability of the practice. Mark Lenton, a local resident, has fond memories of exploring the rock pools as a child, but is now worried about the impact of overharvesting on the marine ecosystem. He has reported seeing large groups of people, often arriving by bus, and removing significant quantities of marine life, including shellfish, hermit crabs, limpets, and sea anemones.
The Impact of Overharvesting
The removal of marine life from rock pools can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. University of Auckland marine biologist Andrew Jeffs has witnessed the harvesting of organisms from rock pools and has spoken to people who are doing it. He explains that the animals that live in rock pools often only inhabit small areas, and once they are removed, it can be difficult for them to re-establish themselves. This can have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, as the removed species play important roles in maintaining the balance of the marine environment.
Cultural and Environmental Factors
The increase in demand for sea life is not only driven by recreational gathering but also by cultural and environmental factors. As New Zealand becomes more ethnically diverse, there is a growing demand for different types of seafood. Additionally, climate change is putting pressure on some species, making them more vulnerable to overharvesting. Jeffs notes that traditional species, such as cockles and pipis, are being harvested at unsustainable levels, and that more needs to be done to manage the activity and prevent damage to the environment.
Community Action
Local iwi and communities are taking action to try to stop the overharvesting of shore life. The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has applied for a two-year legal ban on harvesting all shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along Auckland’s eastern coastline. The trust’s chief executive, Nicola MacDonald, explains that the ban is necessary to give the coastlines a break from harvesting and to allow for restoration. She notes that education is key to addressing the issue and that people need to understand the harm that harvesting species to depletion can cause.
Government Response
The government is considering the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s request and is expected to make a decision next month. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has acknowledged the issue and notes that any new regulation would need to be understood and embraced by the broader community. Fisheries North Regional Compliance Manager, Andre Espinoza, explains that while most people are harvesting within the current recreational daily limits, there is a need for increased education and enforcement to prevent overharvesting.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The issue of overharvesting in rock pools is a complex one, driven by cultural, environmental, and recreational factors. However, it is clear that action needs to be taken to prevent damage to the marine ecosystem. Mark Lenton’s group, Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools, is calling for better protection of rock pools and intertidal zones, and more education around marine conservation. The community is urged to report any suspected illegal activity to the 0800 4 POACHER number, and to support efforts to protect the marine environment. By working together, it is possible to find a balance between the demand for seafood and the need to protect the marine ecosystem.