November 22, 2023
People are a vital part of the marine ecosystem. We have the ability to influence changes in both positive and negative ways. Conventional marine protection separates us from the environment, creating a disconnect between people and conservation efforts. In contrast, traditional techniques acknowledge the power that comes with engaging communities and believe people are a […]
November 22, 2023
The goal of marine protection is to help enhance and protect ecosystems for future generations. Our children’s children deserve to enjoy an abundant and diverse Hauraki Gulf. Marine reserves were initially created for scientific purposes, not as a fisheries management tool. So, how can we expect them to solve depleting abundance and declining biodiversity? Effective […]
November 21, 2023
An increase in extreme weather events, land run-off, and ineffective fisheries management means we need to embrace a variety of tools to restore our inshore marine environment. This summer you may come across a rāhui at your favourite beach or fishing destination. It’s important that you respect the rāhui because it has been put in […]
November 19, 2023
A battle is being fought between prioritising the health of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for future generations and degrading the seafloor for the short term gain of commercial interests. Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) originally planned to close public consultation on the proposed ‘trawl corridors’ on 6 November. Four options were presented, all allowing for […]
November 13, 2023
It’s staggering to realise that the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established in 2000 to protect this maritime jewel for the benefit of the community, yet 23 years later it has become more degraded. The scallop fishery is closed, the crayfish population is described as functionally extinct, the invasive Caulerpa seaweed is spreading, and mushy […]
October 27, 2023
The Hauraki Gulf is more degraded now than when it was first established over 20 years ago. Over a century of damage caused by bottom trawling, followed by Danish seining and dredging, can be addressed by you saying no to this ongoing destruction. Most of us agree that a healthy marine environment is good for […]
October 27, 2023
It may come as a shock that the ocean is not a closed ecosystem. Fish don’t know boundaries, only we humans do. And, fish don’t stay in one place because it’s a marine reserve, they are born to migrate. If we want to improve biodiversity by increasing fish abundance then we have to think beyond […]
October 22, 2023
It’s fair to say the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is turning to shit. Quite literally. Hundreds of litres of raw sewage entered the Waitematā Harbour every second after a 13-metre sinkhole caused the blockage of a main wastewater pipe in downtown Auckland. Do you think a marine reserve would be an effective way to solve […]
October 5, 2023
As advocates for change it’s concerning that officials recently admitted they dismiss form submissions if they say the same thing. Most of the submissions that LegaSea receives from passionate people have personal comments added to their submission and this feedback must not be ignored. Firstly, because these are grunty, heartfelt messages from people who care. […]
October 4, 2023
It’s almost a year since the High Court declared the Minister’s 2021 and 2022 decisions for the future management of Northland crayfish (CRA 1) were unlawful. The Court directed the Minister to review CRA 1 again. That review occurred earlier this year and the outcome was underwhelming. Firstly, Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) provided the Minister […]
