Government has failed first big environmental test

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Environmental Defence Society says government has failed first big environmental test

The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has expressed its profound disappointment at the government's failure to back better protection for New Zealand's endangered marine animals.

Last evening National and ACT combined to throw out the Marine Animals Protection Reform Bill.

"The present law is unreasonably biased in favour of production values over conservation imperatives," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

"New Zealand is a marine mammal and seabird 'hotspot'. At least 38 species of dolphin and whale are found here, just under half of the world's total.

"We also have over 80 species of seabirds, more than anywhere else in the world. Many of the birds are endemic to New Zealand.

"There is a clear case for reform in this area. Referring the Bill to a select committee would have enabled Parliament to investigate what changes are desirable to strike a better balance.

"The fishing industry hit stormy waters just last week when a big UK supermarket chain banned hoki from its shelves because of concerns over how it is caught. It faces the prospect of more consumer boycotts in international markets if New Zealand fails to live up to its environmental responsibilities.

"It is noteworthy that the key measure available under the existing law - population management plans - has never been invoked and as a consequence many marine species are on a slide to extinction.

In particular, the future of Maui's and Hector's dolphins are at great risk. There are just 111 Maui's dolphins left on the planet - it is even more critically endangered than the kakapo.

"I watched the parliamentary debate and it was excruciating to see National backbench MPs trying and failing to justify the decision. They were clearly uncomfortable and there was no substantive reason given for the decision.

"Fisheries Minister Heatley is the only Minister to have made public comment and he says the existing law can be made to work.

"If that is the case then I'd like to have a commitment from Government that it will prepare a statutory population management plan for Maui's and Hector's dolphins.

"The Minister of Conservation was a no-show. That Minister Groser did not even participate in the debate was very disappointing. He is the Minister responsible for marine animals and should have fronted up and explained what alternatives, if any, he has in mind.

"This was the first big environmental test for the Government and it has failed some of the rarest and most vulnerable creatures on the planet.

ENDS