Marine reserve plan for rocks

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE

An area off the Whakatane coast once used by the Navy for target practice may become a marine reserve.

After years of debate over its protection, a 1444ha expanse of sea and foreshore around the Volkner Rocks (Te Paepae Aotea) near White Island is the subject of a joint reserve application by the Director-General of Conservation and the Whakaari Marine Protection Steering Committee.

Famous for its kingfish, the site is also one of the top diving spots in the country. Marine reserve status would mean a ban on all forms of fishing within the reserve boundaries. Diving, snorkelling, swimming and boating would still be allowed, although anchorage might be restricted.

Situated 55km northeast of Whakatane and 5km northwest of White Island, the Volkner Rocks are a collection of visible and underwater rocks and coral reefs.

Three pinnacles rising about 113m above sea level are geologically linked to the neighbouring White Island active volcano.

Until a few years ago, the rocky outcrops were used as targets in naval bombing exercises.

The reserve objectives are primarily scientific, with the area known for spectacular underwater scenery and distinctive marine life, including deepwater invertebrate species not recorded elsewhere.

Protection as a marine park has been considered since 1985. Extensive consultation started in 1998 when the Whakaari (White Island) steering committee was set up at a public meeting.

Representatives of Ngati Awa, Whakatohea, charter boat operators, landowners, commercial fishers, sightseeing and marine mammal viewing businesses, underwater divers, Whakatane Sportfishing Club, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Ministry of Fisheries and the Department of Conservation make up the committee.

Two proposal documents have previously been released for comment, in October 1999 and mid-2000.

The application is the next step and, with three weeks to deadline, has so far attracted 150 submissions.

"Whether they are in opposition or support is not yet known as they are not being analysed at this stage," said DoC's biodiversity programme manager, Matt Cook.

The objections and submissions would be examined after the January 14 closing date by an independent consultant who would report to the Minister of Conservation.

Mr Cook said the Conservation Department's role was not to lobby or rally support.

"Our job is to provide factual information to those who want it and to encourage people to have a say."

Te Paepae Aotea is a sacred place to Maori and important historically for the Mataatua tribes. Ngati Awa, granted customary title by the Maori Land Court, are regarded as custodians on behalf of all local iwi.

At present the area is not out of bounds to commercial fishing, but under a voluntary code of practice no commercial gill netting or trawling is undertaken and charter fishers are restricted to one kingfish per person a day.

Herald feature: Environment