SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Issue 16, September 2016 | Page 119

ew Zealand is a leader in the successful implementation and ongoing sustainability of MPAs and they are able to achieve these outcomes from

well thought out approaches that enable tourism to support conservation. Beginning in the 1970’s New Zealand established the Marine Reserve Act in 1971 and in 1981 the NZ government established its second MPA called the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Since this time, NZ has established 44 Marine Protected Areas and all of them are “no-take” zones. A “no take” zone means there is no fishing, no mining, no oil extraction and minimal interference. The fact that NZ has established so many MPAs indicates that they are successful, so much so that the government of NZ is about to establish the 620,000 square kilometres Kermadec Islands Ocean Sanctuary just north of NZ. This sanctuary is the second largest fully protected MPA on our planet and the largest that incorporates land and sea. Although the number of MPAs established globally has grown exponentially over the past few years (currently there are approximately 6,500), the numbers of success stories are variable. However, the numerous success stories from NZ illustrate how important it is to have the right approach and to invest in important areas like tourism if one is to realise the significant gains that are available from the establishment of MPAs. Finding solutions to the current potential catastrophic collapse of global fisheries is imperative and MPAs offer a viable option. It is relatively well recognised that successful conservation usually results in increases in species diversity, abundance and fitness. In support of this premise, a report on the snapper populations found at the Poor Knights Islands in October 1998 showed significant increases in numbers and biomass (large snapper (>270mm), numbers increased by 7.4 times and total snapper biomass increased by 818% compared to control sites). Importantly, the benefits to the environment translate into economic benefits to the local and national economies and this encourages these communities to actively participate in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the MPA.

Why do you consider LT&C an important initiative and why are you interested in membership?

Tourism can help support and sustain conservation, particularly in areas where local authorities are under resourced and financed. Well managed and maintained tourist ventures can support local and national conservation and economic needs. When the local community is benefiting from the establishment of a conservation area, they are more likely to help maintain its presence. LT&C initiates and facilitates the establishment of sustainable and well-managed protected areas by linking tourism to conservation.

Why is your case a good example of linking tourism and conservation?

Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner to the NZ economy and where Seafood exports are worth $1.38 billion a year to New Zealand economy International tourism contributes NZ$11.8 billion (59 kr billion). My LT&C example is the Poor Knights Islands MPA, which was first established in 1981, and epitomizes the significant benefits that tourism plays in supporting the local economy, and as a consequence the local community ensures conservation sustainability. In the case of the Poor knights Islands MPA, the benefits from tourism are being realised by a number of small towns that are adjacent to the MPA. With a population of 26 people, Tutukaka is one such community. Dive Tutukaka is a dive charter/eco-tourism company that employs over 60 people during the main part of the season and has directly contributed approximately NZ$50

MPAs. Both of these processes have significant positive impacts for both the local and national fisheries.

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