March 17, 2014
Marine reserve protects whale heritage
Kaikoura people are celebrating the announcement of a new marine reserve and whale and fur sea sanctuary along their coast.
The package will include five customary fishing areas and new amateur fishing regulations.
Kauahi Ngapora , the chief operating officer of Whale Watch Kaikoura, says the announcement shows the government has listened to the community.
He says the community has worked hard for more than seven years under the mantle of Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura to develop strategies to protect the coastline and marine life of the Kaikoura coast.
"You know we’re wanting to protect what we have here today so our grandchildren and their grandchildren will be able to see, experience, and gather the same things that we can, so all these measures enable this very special area to be protected," Mr Ngapora says.
The Kaikoura community and Te Korowai will continue to oppose oil exploration including seismic testing off its coast.
He says it’s a continued threat to the environment and undermines the interntional reputation the Kaikoura community and Whale Watch Kaikoura have earned for environmental best practice and performance.
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