Key Takeaways:
- The increase in sea life gathering at Army Bay and other beaches in Auckland has led to concerns about the depletion of marine species.
- The surge in demand for sea life has resulted in the removal of not only commonly consumed shellfish but also other marine animals and plants.
- Experts and locals are calling for increased education and enforcement to manage the activity and prevent environmental damage.
- A proposed two-year ban on harvesting shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along Auckland’s eastern coastline is currently being considered.
- Climate change and overharvesting are major threats to the marine ecosystem, and communities are taking action to try to stop the depletion of shore life.
Introduction to the Issue
People gathering sea life at Army Bay has become a major concern for locals and experts alike. Mark Lenton, who grew up in the Auckland coastal community of Whangaparāoa, fondly remembers spending hours looking at the species in rock pools as a child. However, he has noticed a significant increase in the number of sea life gatherers in recent years, and beaches along the Whangaparāoa Peninsula are being stripped bare. This surge in demand for sea life has resulted in the removal of not only commonly consumed shellfish like oysters and mussels but also other marine animals and plants, including hermit crabs, limpets, chiton, sea anemone, and sea cucumber.
The Impact of Overharvesting
The impact of overharvesting on the marine ecosystem is a major concern. University of Auckland marine biologist Andrew Jeffs has witnessed the issue firsthand and has spoken to people who are harvesting the organisms from rock pools. He explains that these animals often only live in a few small places in relatively small areas, and once they are removed, it is very difficult for them to come back and re-establish. Jeffs also notes that the country’s increasing ethnic diversity has put pressure on species that were not always harvested in New Zealand. Additionally, climate change is also affecting the populations of some species, making them more vulnerable to overharvesting.
Community Action and Proposed Solutions
Local iwi, 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 iwi’s chief executive, Nicola MacDonald, explains that while harvesting shellfish has long been a common practice, the amount of harvesting being done has become unsustainable. She believes that the coastline needs a break from harvesting to allow for restoration and that education is key to addressing the issue. MacDonald also notes that the species being harvested are the engineers of the marine environment and are essential for building strong structures for other species. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has confirmed that he will make a decision about the proposed ban next month.
Enforcement and Education
Fisheries North Regional Compliance Manager Andre Espinoza notes that while most people are harvesting legally within the current recreational daily limits, it is essential to ensure that people are following the rules. He also emphasizes the importance of reporting suspected illegal activity through the 0800 4 POACHER number. Mark Lenton’s group, Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools, is calling for better protection of rock pools and intertidal zones, as well as more education around marine conservation. The group will be protesting peacefully at Army Bay to raise awareness about the issue and to push for action to be taken to address it.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The issue of overharvesting at Army Bay and other beaches in Auckland is a complex one that requires a multifaceted approach. It is essential to address the root causes of the problem, including the surge in demand for sea life and the lack of education and enforcement. By working together, communities, iwi, and government agencies can help to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure that it is sustainable for future generations. As Nicola MacDonald notes, "We need to give the coastlines a break from harvesting, and for people to know about it, so we can work towards restoration." It is crucial that we take action now to address this issue and to prevent further depletion of the marine ecosystem.