Applying an effects-based approach to the sustainable management of surf breaks

Abstract

Recent advances in environmental policy in several countries have focused on surf breaks as environmental assets to be actively managed alongside other natural resources. However, New Zealand is the first nation to have established a legally binding directive to protect surf breaks as part of its principal resource management legislation. Surf breaks are now specifically provided for under the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 (NZCPS), creating a strong mandate for their protection through appropriate policy and planning provisions.