Key Takeaways:
- A 6.5m Stabicraft was spotted fishing in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve on November 16
- A 14-metre white launch was seen anchored in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve on November 5
- Fishing and other activities are banned in marine reserves, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) is urging the public to report any suspicious activity
- A new Coastwatch group has been launched to monitor the marine reserves and prevent rule breaches
- The public can report any suspected illegal activity in marine reserves by calling 0800 DOC HOT or providing information anonymously
Introduction to Marine Reserve Breaches
A recent incident has highlighted the issue of marine reserve breaches in New Zealand, with a boat spotted fishing in a protected area off the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park. On November 16, a 6.5m Stabicraft was seen in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, with its occupants catching fish. This incident is not an isolated one, as newly released data shows that similar offences tend to spike during the summer months. The two reserves in Tasman Bay, including the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, feature prominently in the data on marine reserve rule breaches.
Incidents of Marine Reserve Breaches
The incident on November 16 was reported by a member of the public, who alerted the Department of Conservation (DOC) to the presence of the black Stabicraft with a distinctive blue trim. The boat was seen about 12.45pm, and its occupants were observed catching fish. This is not the only recent incident, as a 14-metre white launch was also seen anchored in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve on November 5. The launch was detected on a recently installed camera, which monitors the marine reserve, and was anchored for 90 minutes. According to Motueka-based DOC marine ranger Stew Robertson, this was unusual and suspicious boating activity in the reserve.
Prohibited Activities in Marine Reserves
Fishing is completely banned in marine reserves, and other activities such as taking and damaging marine life, removing natural materials, polluting, and feeding fish are also prohibited. The DOC is urging the public to report any suspected illegal activity in marine reserves, and is encouraging people to provide information about any boats or individuals seen engaging in prohibited activities. Robertson has urged the skipper of either vessel to make contact with the DOC, or for anyone who saw them in the marine reserve to get in touch. Information can be provided anonymously and is treated confidentially.
New Coastwatch Group and Reporting Suspicious Activity
To combat marine reserve breaches, a new Coastwatch group has been launched, comprising staff from several central and local government agencies and local residents. This group will work together to monitor the marine reserves and prevent rule breaches. The public can play a crucial role in reporting suspicious activity, and the DOC is encouraging people to call 0800 DOC HOT if they see or suspect any illegal activity in a marine reserve. Valuable information includes details of any fishers on land, or any boat involved, descriptions of those aboard, where and when it was seen, and the nature of the alleged activity. Photographs and videos are also useful, and can be provided to the DOC as evidence.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The recent incidents of marine reserve breaches in Tasman Bay highlight the need for continued vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity. The DOC is urging the public to take an active role in protecting these protected areas, and to report any suspected illegal activity. By working together, we can help to prevent marine reserve breaches and protect the unique and fragile ecosystems found in these areas. If you see or suspect any illegal activity in a marine reserve, do not hesitate to call 0800 DOC HOT or provide information anonymously. Your help is valuable in protecting New Zealand’s marine environment.