September 19th, 2024
A large flotilla of vessels gathered just off Mission Bay in Auckland, surrounding a massive 'ban bottom trawling' banner on Sunday in a show of public opposition to the controversial fishing practice in the Hauraki Gulf marine park.
Organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird, the protest saw hundreds of people turn out on the beach and water, with over 60 crafts ranging from yachts to kayaks and paddleboards joining the demonstration, according to Greenpeace.
Greenpeace oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper emphasised the importance of ending bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana to protect the marine environment for future generations. According to a recent survey, more than 84% of respondents supported banning trawling in the Gulf.
Bianca Ranson, Forest & Bird Hauraki Gulf coordinator, described Tīkapa Moana as a "biodiversity hotspot" and a "taonga", or treasure.
Ranson criticised the government for allowing bottom trawling to continue, putting the delicate marine ecosystem at risk, including Byrde's whales, manta rays, tarakihi, and tāiko. She urged the government to prioritise the protection of the Gulf over fishing industry interests.
Bottom trawling involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, bulldozing marine life and destroying ecosystems. The fishing method is notorious for indiscriminate catches and has been linked to ecosystem collapse in the Gulf, alongside other factors such as sedimentation and climate change.
The 'Show Your Heart For The Hauraki' event comes amid increasing scrutiny on bottom contact fishing methods. Despite recommendations from the Sea Change proposal to remove bottom trawling, the government has opted to keep vast areas of the Gulf open to this destructive practice.
Hooper called for urgent action to ban bottom trawling from the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, stating that past measures have been insufficient to protect the declining biodiversity. She urged the government to take a stronger stance to ensure the marine park's future.