West Coast marine park is another silly layer of red tape

By JOHN VAN DER HAAS*

Last Saturday was a beautiful day - sunny, no wind, not a cloud in the sky, not too hot or too cold, a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors and especially Auckland's wonderful west coast.

But there I was sitting in a poky office writing this article to try to stop bureaucrats from locking us out of our own resources. At the same time Sand and Sea had members at most of our popular west coast beaches instructing users on the responsible usage of these fantastic resources.

This all started two-and-a-half years ago when the Hector's dolphins looked like they needed a bit of help to stay out of set nets, some coastal residents were upset there were not enough green-lip mussels above the low-water mark, and stray dogs were being blamed for killing blue penguins at Piha.

Bob Harvey, the Waitakere City Mayor, and MP David Cunliffe called a public meeting to discuss these issues. The West Coast Working Group was formed with Ken Katt, of Forest and Bird, appointed convenor. This group was to investigate possible solutions to these problems.

Since then, the working group has employed Jaci Fowler to collate research done by various groups on fish stocks and coastal conditions, and to help to formulate a discussion document that has been sent to 80 interested parties.

During this study, the group concluded:

* The dolphins were getting caught in nets set close to the shore. The banning of set nets within four nautical miles of the shore would allow the dolphins to live in peace.

* The shellfish were being depleted because of over-harvesting by irresponsible people. If the shellfish quotas were enforced, the depletion would end.

* Local dog rangers could deal with the dog problem.

* Nine "hot spots" for possible reserves were identified.

The Ministry of Fisheries has subsequently implemented a ban on fixed nets in the four-mile area.

The working group wanted to set up a large marine reserve but following overwhelming objections last November, the proposal was changed to a marine park.

Setting up such a park requires genuine and constructive consultation with all interested parties. Recent public meetings have been attended by west coast users and residents largely unaware of the working party's activities over the past two years.

The closing date for submissions on a marine park was originally set for the end of April and quickly reset for the end of this month. A request for a six-month extension to the consultation process was unanimously voted for at each of these meetings. Mr Cunliffe, MP Paul Hutchison and Mr Harvey agreed that the consultation process was inadequate and the six-month extension was justified. The working group has extended the deadline only until the end of next month.

Despite the claim by the working party that it wishes only to set up a marine park, the discussion document, on which submissions have been sought, refers on numerous occasions to marine reserves. Indeed, several potential reserve areas have been identified.

Despite assurances that this project was undertaken by the working group, the draft proposal was written by Forest and Bird, in conjunction with the West Coast Working Party. The Forest and Bird magazine for this month has "West Coast Marine Reserves" on its cover and features an article "Jaci Fowler reports on Forest And Bird's marine reserve proposals for Auckland's Wild West Coast".

Sand and Sea has been formed by a group of dissatisfied and, by now, totally mistrustful coastal users, including trampers, hunters, 4-wheel-drivers, horse-riders, swimmers, land yachties and fishers.

Although new, it has distributed pamphlets to users of our most popular beaches, advising of responsible and sustainable use.

Sand and Sea acknowledges there are spots on the west coast that are under pressure. But there are plenty of laws which, if enforced, would enable the pressure on these areas to diminish.

Education and enforcement of existing laws where required would ease the pressure on the shellfish.

Additionally, laws are available to enable local communities to put bans on the take of specific species in specific areas for specific periods.

Instituting more laws is neither necessary nor the solution for any of the problems and would probably complicate matters.

Research indicates that one million people use the west coast every year. Three thousand questionnaires have been sent to "interested parties".

This cannot possibly be called consultation because 997,000 users are being ignored.

Reserves are permanent. Once established there can be no reversion.

A park or reserve is not required because:

* The Hector's dolphin problem has been fixed.

* The weather and sea of the west coast make it a natural reserve because they restrict the use of the coast naturally.

* Laws are in place to protect the problem spots. We just need to encourage some users to adhere to them - or maybe the bureaucrats to enforce them.

* A park or reserve would just create another layer of bureaucratic nonsense.

Finally, the coast belongs to the people; it must remain with the people.

* John van der Haas is a spokesman for Sand and Sea, a coastal users' action group.