Key Takeaways:
- A group of Auckland residents are planning a peaceful protest to raise awareness about the stripping of sea life from the Whangaparāoa coastline.
- The intertidal zone and rock pools from Orewa Beach to Matakatia Bay have been cleaned out over the years, with an estimated 200-300 people visiting daily to harvest shellfish and other marine life.
- Residents are calling for law changes, stronger enforcement, and education to protect the marine ecosystem.
- A proposed two-year ban on harvesting shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along Auckland’s eastern coastline is currently under consideration.
- The issue is complex, with cultural and social factors at play, and requires a sensitive approach to balance the needs of different communities.
Introduction to the Issue
The Whangaparāoa coastline in Auckland has long been a popular destination for beachgoers and gatherers of shellfish. However, the increasing number of visitors has taken a toll on the marine ecosystem, with the intertidal zone and rock pools being stripped bare of plant and animal life. Mark Lenton, a member of the Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools group, estimates that 200-300 people visit the area daily, armed with chisels, hammers, and piano wire, to remove all manner of marine life from the rock pools. The result is a once-thriving ecosystem that is now nothing more than empty rock pools filled with seawater.
The Impact of Over-Harvesting
The impact of over-harvesting on the marine ecosystem is severe. The rock pools, which were once home to a diverse array of species, are now devoid of life. The gatherers, who are largely from the migrant community, are taking not just the commonly consumed shellfish, but everything that lives in the rock pools, including limpets, cushion stars, sea anemones, and crabs. This has led to a significant decline in the biodiversity of the area, with many species facing the threat of local extinction. The problem is not just the number of people gathering, but also the frequency and methods used, with some gatherers using commercial-sized fishing bins to collect as much as possible.
Community Response
The community is responding to the issue with a peaceful protest, which will take place on Saturday at the Army Bay boat ramp. The protest is part of a push to ban the harvesting of all shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along Auckland’s eastern coastline. The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has applied for a two-year legal ban, under section 186A of the Fisheries Act, which would cover the east coast of Auckland, including the Hauraki Gulf islands. The proposed closure area spans the Rodney and Hibiscus Bays Local Board boundaries. The community is calling for law changes, stronger enforcement, and education to protect the marine ecosystem.
Government Response
The government is aware of the issue and is considering the proposed ban. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has stated that a decision will be made next month. Jones acknowledges that the issue is complex and requires a sensitive approach, given the cultural and social factors at play. He notes that education and regulation of seafood resources are important, particularly as immigration grows and the ethnic makeup of Auckland changes. The minister emphasizes that sustainability must be the top priority, ensuring that future generations are not deprived of the resources that current generations enjoy.
Local Support
Local residents and leaders are supporting the community’s efforts to protect the Whangaparāoa rockpools and wider coastline. Albany Ward councillor Victoria Short has expressed her support for the community and Ngati Manuhiri’s efforts, stating that the rapid depletion of the ecosystem is deeply concerning. She backs the call for urgent measures, including the temporary ban application, to allow the ecosystem time to recover. The local iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, is also working to protect the marine ecosystem, recognizing the importance of preserving the area’s biodiversity for future generations.
Conclusion
The issue of over-harvesting in the Whangaparāoa coastline is a complex one, requiring a sensitive and multi-faceted approach. The community, government, and local leaders must work together to find a solution that balances the needs of different communities while prioritizing the protection of the marine ecosystem. The peaceful protest and proposed ban are important steps towards raising awareness and promoting action to protect the area’s biodiversity. Ultimately, it will require a concerted effort to educate and regulate the gathering of seafood resources, ensuring that the marine ecosystem is preserved for future generations to enjoy.