NZCA's advice on seabird conservation

To: Hon Eugenie Sage, Minister of Conservation
Date: 17 September 2020

At the Authority’s August 2020 meeting, Janice Molloy, Convener for Southern Seabirds Solutions, provided an excellent presentation on the plight of seabirds in the southern oceans due to the effects of the fishing industry. The Authority has previously engaged with you on this issue and filed a submission on the National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2020.

Janice’s presentation made clear that Aotearoa must take its place as a global leader on this international issue, and that this issue will not be appropriately tackled until public interest and political pressure are proportional to its magnitude.

The Authority note that market pressure is required to alter buying habits and reward responsible fishing practices. Simultaneously, the Authority recognise the need for the Department to become a stronger advocate on this issue; they must begin to operate more heavily in the marine space if that domain of Papatūānuku is to thrive.

Seabird conservation requires a sure sense of urgency if we are to ensure that future generations will be able to witness the magnificence of creatures such as the antipodean albatross. Although many steps are being taken in the right direction, a vision for zero bycatch has been set, and this will require constant and consistent pressure to be met.

No reira
E noho ora mai

Edward Ellison ONZM
Chairperson NZCA