Coastal and marine conservation : a New Zealand perspective

Abstract

This study introduces New Zealand's coastal/marine environment as both a natural habitat and a natural resource complex. It outlines the unique management features and characteristics of New Zealand's marine environment and describes its habitats and species. It examines the conflicts that are arising because this environment is functioning as both a natural resource complex and a natural habitat. The study then presents a rationale for, and the likely benefits and costs of, a Marine Protected Area (M.P.A.) programme as part of a policy of 'Marine Conservation'.

An approach to natural resource management to achieve a policy of 'Marine Conservation' based on a 'goal' orientated approach to planning is introduced. Appropriate policies, goals objectives, categories and criteria of marine protected areas (M.P.As.) are proposed. A number of categories of M.P.A., designated with specific reference to the selected goals and objectives, are presented. This new approach links criteria for selection of M.P.A. sites directly to the policy of marine conservation and the goals and objectives of a M.P.A. programme. In conclusion this study evaluates the likely success of the M.P.A. programme proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) (1985) in achieving the goals and objectives of marine conservation. In doing so the goal oriented approach to planning is suggested as being a better alternative.