More NZ seabed to be protected

[Grant]

The underwater habitat in 30 per cent of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be protected from bottom trawling and dredging, the Government said today. Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton has announced that 17 different areas over 1.25 million square kilometres will be protected from bottom trawling under the Benthic (seabed habitat) Protected Areas initiative.

Together with 19 areas already protected from bottom trawling, 88 per cent of all known active hydrothermal vents, 52 per cent of all known seamounts and 32 per cent of the EEZ would be protected, he said. The protection orders followed a 2006 proposal by the fishing industry to close parts of the EEZ to protect the seabed and the life around it from the destructive practices of bottom trawling and dredging. Mr Anderton said refinements to the plan had been made following consultation.

Bottom trawling and dredging banned around NZ - 04 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News

[Grant]

Environmentalists are calling an initiative aimed at protecting more of the seabed from bottom-trawling and dredging a "backroom deal" between the fishing industry and Government. Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton yesterday announced a scheme he said would protect the seabed habitat of 30 per cent of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone - an area equivalent to four times New Zealand's landmass. It aims to protect underwater features such as cold-water corals, seamounts and hydrothermal vents.

But Cath Wallace, co-chair of the Environment and Conservation Organisations network, labelled the plan a "total con job" and said the "so-called" closures were already inaccessible to commercial fishers. "They are too deep, too rocky or were shut off anyway," said the Victoria University environmental studies lecturer.

Greenpeace oceans campaigner Mike Hagler said the scheme was basically thought up by the commercial fishing industry and did not do enough to protect sensitive areas.

Seabed protection plan a con, say campaigners - 05 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand and International Environment News