This page contains information and resources relating to current regional planning processes under the Marine Protected Areas Policy.

Key documents that guide these processes are:

• Marine Protected Areas Policy and Implementation Plan (PDF)
• Marine Protected Areas: Classification, Protection Standard and Implementation Guidelines (PDF)

Subantarctic Biogeographic Region

Submissions closed

Consultation on proposed options for marine protected areas around the subantarctic Antipodes, Bounty and Campbell island groups has now closed. 65 submissions were received from a broad cross section of the New Zealand public and stakeholder groups. The Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum is now considering information contained in these submissions in developing final recommendations for the Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries.

• Consultation Document - Implementation of the Marine Protected Areas Policy in the Territorial Seas of the Subantarctic Biogeographic Region of New Zealand (PDF, 1609K) [High resolution version (PDF, 15882K)]

Contact:
mpa@biodiversity.govt.nz

West Coast

Submissions closed

The West Coast Marine Protection Forum has been seeking public feedback on its proposed package of Marine Protected Areas for the West Coast. This commenced with release of a consultation document on Monday 29 June.

You can view this document and get more information on the consultation process including submissions and public information evenings on www.westmarine.org.nz

Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Process

The Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Process aims to implement the MPA Policy in the subantarctic biogeographic region, one of 14 coastal biogeographic regions identified in the MPA classification.

• Map of coastal biogeographic regions (JPG)
• Subantarctic planning region (JPG)

Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum

The Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum (Forum) was convened in February 2008 to develop options and provide recommendations for marine protected areas in the subantarctic biogeographic region. The Forum is composed of representatives of key stakeholder groups, including Maori, commercial fishers, environmental/conservation groups and science interests.

Planning for the subantarctic region will be carried out in two phases. Phase One is in progress and looks at protection options within the territorial seas around the Antipodes, Bounty and Campbell island groups. Phase Two will follow at a later stage and look at protection in the exclusive economic zone in the remainder of the region.

For more information on the Forum please see the Terms of Reference (PDF).

Information resources and maps

This section contains the information resources and maps used by the Forum in working through the tasks set out in the MPA Policy towards developing options for marine protected areas. To the best of its knowledge, this constitutes the best available information.

Marine Protection for the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands: A background resource document (2006)

This document provides technical information as a starting base for this marine protection planning process.

The marine ecosystem of New Zealand's subantarctic islands and their surrounding plateaus (2004) NIWA report by John D. Booth

This report synthesises existing knowledge on the structure and function, risks to the biota, and usage of the marine ecosystem of the southern plateau, with particular focus on conservation values and diversity within the territorial sea of the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes and Bounty Islands. It also identifies gaps in knowledge of the area's marine ecosystem.

You can request a CD of this report from mpa@biodiversity.govt.nz

Map of existing management tools in the subantarctic MPA planning region (JPG)

This map illustrates the various management tools currently in place in the subantarctic MPA planning region, including those in the exclusive economic zone.

Subantarctic Regional Marine Protection Planning Forum analysis of protection tools (PDF)

This is an inventory of existing protection tools.

Protection Standard - Protection Tools – Subantarctic Forum (PDF)

This paper provides an analysis of Nature Reserves and Benthic Protection Areas against the MPA Policy Protection Standard.

Subantarctic Bathymetry Maps

Subantarctic Bathymetry Maps - combined (PDF)

These maps show the best available bathymetry for the subantarctic planning region and territorial seas of the Auckland, Antipodes, Bounty and Campbell island groups. Includes multibeam maps for the Antipodes and Bounty island groups.

Composite maps

Subantarctic Islands Composite Maps - combined (PDF)

These composite maps show key bathymetry, exposure, sediments and habitats for the territorial seas of the Auckland, Antipodes, Bounty and Campbell island groups.

Classification of Nearshore Marine Environment (PDF)

This classifies the Subantarctic Islands marine environments and includes a gaps analysis.

Map showing reported trawls in the subantarctic region (JPG)

This map shows the general pattern of trawling effort in the subantarctic region from 1989 to mid 2007

LIN 6 Summary by Fishing Year (PDF)

This paper is a summary of bottom long line fishing activity for ling around the Bounty Islands over the last ten years.

Bibliography: Subantarctic Islands Marine Biogeographic Region (PDF)

This is a compilation of references recognised by the Forum.

Request for additional information

Additional information related to these classification layers (depth, substrate and exposure) as well as any anecdotal information of the physical and biological nature of the seas around the subantarctic islands would be gratefully received, email mpa@biodiversity.govt.nz

Last revised 17/09/09