Dr Parmjeet Parmar –
Prime Ministe
r John Key has announced creation of a 620,000 square-kilometre ocean sanctuary in the Kermadec region, one of the most pristine and unique environments on earth.
I was excited to be at Kelly Tarlton’s for a function hosted by Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith where we celebrated the Prime Minister’s announcement from New York.
Oceans cover almost three quarters of the world’s surface. We all need to do our bit to look after them, and to preserve them.
Pollution and over-fishing are placing increased pressure on the sea.
It is home to half of the world’s species, yet currently only 2% of it is protected.
Pristine region
The Kermadec region is home to whales, seabirds, dolphins, turtles, and thousands of other species of fish and marine life that are not found anywhere else.
Situated 1000 kilometres northeast of New Zealand, halfway between the Bay of Plenty and Tonga, the Kermadecs contain the world’s longest underwater volcanic arc and the second-deepest ocean trench in the world.
No Fishing
The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will extend out to the 200 nautical mile limit of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and will establish a fully-protected, ‘No Take’ zone where all mining, and all fishing is off limits.
This initiative reinforces New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable management of the marine environment.
New Zealand has made good progress in protecting its territorial seas.
In the last year, 10 new marine reserves have been created in Akaroa, the sub-Antarctic, Kaikōura and off the West Coast, bringing our grand total of marine reserves to 44.
New Sanctuary
The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will cover more than 35 times the combined area of our current marine reserves, and it’ll be the first time an area of our Exclusive Economic Zone will be fully protected.
This new sanctuary is part of the National-led Government’s ‘Bluegreen’ approach of balancing environmental protection with economic development.
We need to use our ocean resources for jobs and exports with industries like fishing, aquaculture, minerals and energy, but we also need to set aside special areas where nature comes first and marine life is fully protected.
Dr Parmjeet Parmar is Member of Parliament on National List.
Photo Caption: New initiative will help Kermadec Islands
