Wanted! Eyes and ears for Coast Watch

10 November 2014

Media release

Wanted! Eyes and ears for Coast Watch at Taputeranga Marine Reserve

The Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve, with support from the Department of Conservation, is recruiting for a Coast Watch group on Wellington’s south coast.

Coast Watch will comprise a network of existing interest groups, coastal dwellers and frequent reserve users to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the reserve. This initiative, modelled on Neighbourhood Watch, will be a first for New Zealand and piloted at Taputeranga.

“Coast Watch is a terrific initiative. The Department wants to work more collaboratively with groups like the Friends of Taputeranga who have the energy and passion to corral community support,” said DOC’s National Compliance Manager, Geoff Owen.

“The key to a successful marine reserve is, first, strong advocacy for its importance and sense of place, and, second, a solid compliance regime that includes community watchfulness, the recording of accurate information, and follow up.”

“As long as there is poaching at any level at Taputeranga, the marine reserve will fall short of realising its full potential. While the Department of Conservation, assisted by other public agencies is doing what it can, we know that poaching at some level is continuing. Anyone taking anything from the marine reserve risks prosecution and a substantial penalty,” said Murray Hosking, Chair of Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve Trust.

“The community can help and we would love to hear from anyone interested in joining Coast Watch.”

Coast Watch ‘Boundary Walkers’ will provide a visible presence along the shore boundaries of the reserve, from Princess Bay to beyond Owhiro Bay, on busy summer evenings and at weekends. The ‘Boundary Walkers’ will be able to provide information to shore users, advise on marine reserve “do’s and don’ts” and encourage people to safeguard and care for the community’s reserve.

In addition, a’ Call Out Crew’ will assist the Department of Conservation in following up on reported incidents. The Department is on standby 24/7 for marine reserve incidents, but the ‘Call out Crew’ may be able to get to a scene quickly if a DOC officer is engaged elsewhere.

For information about Taputeranga Marine Reserve:
taputeranga.org.nz, www.doc.govt.nz/taputeranga.

ENDS

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