Taputeranga Marine Reserve Marine Reserve Application Application by the South Coast Marine Reserve Coalition and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand (Inc.) October 2000 ISBN 0-9597851-7-5 Preface Living in Wellington means living with the sea. Most Wellingtonians live within one or two kilometres of a rugged coastline – and the changing moods of Cook Strait inspire us and shape our lifestyles. Within our magnificent harbour and around the bays of the south coast, Wellington residents make many demands on our precious marine areas. These rich, but once richer, coastal and offshore habitats face a host of stresses from a growing and dynamic city. These include poaching, local depletion of fish, and declining quality of habitats. On the south coast, from the Sinclair Head seal colony to Fort Dorset, lies an area of beauty and unique ecological importance. The rugged headlands, rocky shores, and steep gravel and sand beaches provide a range of habitats for many plants and animals. Over this varied topography wash three different currents, bringing together a mixture of species from warm and cold waters. The high energy and agitation of the waters of Cook Strait completes this special ecological and geographic picture. This document supports an application for a marine reserve on part of the south coast. Our consultations have shown there to be widespread community support for a marine reserve in the area. Extensive and diverse scientific research has established a baseline of knowledge on which future research programmes can be based. We envisage the proposed marine reserve becoming the cornerstone of scientific, educational and management programmes aimed at conserving and enhancing our coast – a jewel in Wellington’s crown. Table of Contents preface ............................................................................................................................................3 table of contents............................................................................................................................4 1. introduction ..............................................................................................................................8 1.1 application for marine reserve on wellington’s south coast ..............................................................8 1.2 purpose of marine reserves ............................................................................................................................9 1.3 process for establishing a marine reserve..................................................................................................9 1.4 the role of the department of conservation..............................................................................................9 1.5 responses invited ..............................................................................................................................................10 2. the application ........................................................................................................................10 2.1 the applicants – the south coast marine reserve coalition..................................................................10 2.2 location................................................................................................................................................................11 2.3 name......................................................................................................................................................................11 2.4 boundaries ..........................................................................................................................................................11 2.5 obectives of this application ..........................................................................................................................11 3. application background................................................................................................................................12 3.1 origin of the proposal ....................................................................................................................................12 3.2 consultation and investigation....................................................................................................................12 3.2.1 Chronology of Consultation..............................................................................................................13 3.2.2 Public Opinion Surveys ....................................................................................................................16 3.2.3 Surveys of Coastal Users ................................................................................................................16 3.2.4 Survey of Businesses on the South Coast ........................................................................................19 3.2.5 Consultation with Tangata Whenua....................................................................................................19 3.2.6 Consultation with recreational and commercial fishing interests..........................................................20 3.2.7 Consultations with industry adjacent to the south coast ....................................................................22 3.2.8 Consultations with Local Authorities, 1995, 1998. ............................................................................22 3.2.9 Consultation with local politicians and community leaders ..................................................................25 3.2.10 August 1999 Consultation Draft ......................................................................................................25 4. boundaries and justification of the proposed marine reserve ................................26 4.1 1994 boundaries – (A). te raekaihau point to sinclair head/te raekaihau point to owhiro bay quarry gates ..............................................................................................................................26 4.2 1996 boundaries – (b). owhiro bay quarry gates – palmer head ........................................................26 4.3 1999 boundaries – (c). quarry – te raekaihau point & palmer head – breaker bay ........................27 4.4 alternative areas for a reserve, proposed by other parties..................................................................27 4.4.1 Oteranga Bay ................................................................................................................................27 4.4.2 Point Dorset to Moa Point, including Barrett Reef ..............................................................................28 4.5 current application. owhiro bay quarry – te raekaihau point ..........................................................28 4.6 island bay imbayment......................................................................................................................................29 4.7 justificationf or establishing a marine reserve......................................................................................29 4.7.1 The area contains underwater scenery and natural features worthy of preservation. ............................30 4.7.2 The area will be a valuable site for scientific study ............................................................................30 4.7.3 The area is easily accessible to the public for enjoyment and study....................................................30 4.7.4 There is a high level of public support for the proposed reserve ........................................................30 4.7.5 The area meets other legislative criteria ..........................................................................................30 5. values and significance of the prosed marine reserve ................................................31 5.1 natural and scientific values of the proposed area ..............................................................................31 5.1.1 Water Movement ............................................................................................................................31 5.1.2 Geomorphology of headlands and intertidal areas ............................................................................32 5.1.3 Marine habitat types........................................................................................................................32 5.1.4 Seaweeds (macroalgae) ..................................................................................................................32 5.1.5 Invertebrates ..................................................................................................................................33 5.1.6 Fish................................................................................................................................................34 5.1.7 Scientific surveys of the region ........................................................................................................35 5.1.8 Taputeranga Island..........................................................................................................................35 5.2 cultural values ................................................................................................................................................36 5.2.1 Maori historical / cultural values ......................................................................................................36 5.2.2 European