Can new Hauraki protections bridge the promise vs action gulf? – Newsroom

Report on Marine Protection Expansion in Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Context and Significance

A recent policy development in New Zealand has resulted in the expansion of protected zones within the 1.2 million-hectare Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The protected area has increased from 0.3% to 6.0%, representing a significant step towards national and international marine conservation targets. This report analyzes this development through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2.0 State of the Marine Ecosystem and Relevance to SDG 14

The Hauraki Gulf is an area of rich biodiversity but is currently under significant environmental pressure. The health of this ecosystem is a direct indicator of progress towards SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

2.1 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Indicators

• The Gulf is a global hotspot for biodiversity, home to critically endangered species such as Bryde’s whales, orca, and numerous seabirds. It is also an internationally recognised Important Shark and Ray Area.
• Ecological indicators, such as the frequency and duration of large-scale feeding events known as ‘workups’, have shown a marked decline over recent decades, suggesting stress on the marine food web.
• Research has demonstrated that targeted interventions, such as the removal of kina (sea urchins), can lead to the rapid restoration of kelp forests, which are foundational habitats for myriad species. This underscores the potential for recovery when pressures are removed, aligning with SDG Target 14.2 to sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems.

2.2 Threats to Marine Life

1. Fishing Pressure: With 94% of the Gulf remaining open to fishing, pressure on fish stocks and marine habitats remains a key challenge to achieving SDG Target 14.4 (end overfishing).
2. Climate Change: Warming sea temperatures are altering the marine food web at its base by displacing plankton, which has cascading effects on seabirds and cetaceans.

3.0 Policy Response: Expansion of Marine Protected Areas

The expansion of protected zones is a direct policy action aimed at mitigating ecological degradation and contributes to global conservation commitments.

3.1 Contribution to SDG Target 14.5

The increase in protection to 6% of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a tangible step towards SDG Target 14.5, which calls for the conservation of at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020, and supports the more ambitious global ’30 by 30′ initiative to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

3.2 Expected Ecological Benefits

• Ecosystem Recovery: Global research confirms that removing fishing pressure within marine reserves allows marine life to recover.
• Spillover Effect: The benefits are expected to extend beyond reserve boundaries. Recovering fish populations can move into adjacent areas, while currents can transport spores and eggs, replenishing ecosystems outside the protected zones.
• Enhanced Resilience: Protected areas can serve as sanctuaries, providing more abundant prey for resident and migratory species and increasing the ecosystem’s resilience to external shocks like climate change, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

4.0 Socio-Economic Considerations and Broader SDG Alignment

The value of the Hauraki Gulf extends beyond its direct economic output, encompassing ecosystem services that are fundamental to sustainable development.

4.1 Valuing Marine Ecosystems

An NZIER report highlights the complexity of assigning economic value to the Gulf. Many of its most critical contributions are non-market ecosystem services, including:

• Biodiversity
• Water quality regulation
• Recreation
• Cultural heritage

This perspective aligns with a broader understanding of sustainable economic models (SDG 8 and SDG 12) that value natural capital and the well-being it provides.

5.0 Recommendations and Path Forward

The success of this conservation initiative depends on robust implementation and collaborative effort, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

5.1 Key Requirements for Success

1. Effective Enforcement: Protection on paper must be supported by robust monitoring and enforcement to ensure marine reserves are allowed to recover.
2. Scientific Monitoring: Investment is needed to scientifically assess the effectiveness of the new protections and enable adaptive management, in line with SDG Target 14.a (increase scientific knowledge).
3. Collaborative Governance: A coordinated effort is required among all stakeholders, including government, mana whenua (indigenous peoples), scientists, and the public, to ensure shared stewardship and long-term success.

This initiative in the Hauraki Gulf should be viewed as a foundational step in a broader national and international commitment to ocean stewardship, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for future generations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The entire article is centered on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. It discusses the establishment of marine protected areas in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, the recovery of marine life by removing fishing pressure, the importance of biodiversity (whales, dolphins, sharks, seabirds), and the threats to marine ecosystems.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article explicitly identifies climate change as a major threat to the marine ecosystem. It mentions that “warming seas are pushing plankton – the base of the marine food web – deeper and further offshore,” directly affecting seabirds and cetaceans. It calls for urgent action to mitigate climate change’s effects on ocean life.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article concludes by emphasizing the need for collective action and collaboration. It calls for a “broader, more coordinated effort” involving “Government, mana whenua, scientists, divers, paddlers, sailors, fishers, and watchers from shore” to work together for a thriving ocean, which directly reflects the spirit of building multi-stakeholder partnerships.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Targets under SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
     • This is demonstrated by the effort to restore kelp forests by removing kina and the overall goal of the new protected zones to allow marine life to recover and serve as “safe havens.”
   • Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.
     • The article directly addresses this by stating that “removing fishing pressure allows marine life to recover” and that 94% of the Gulf remains open to fishing, highlighting the new reserves as a tool to regulate harvesting in specific zones.
   • Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
     • The article explicitly mentions the increase of protected zones in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park from 0.3% to 6%. It also references the global “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, aligning directly with this target’s ambition.
2. Targets under SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
     • The article suggests that while marine protection won’t solve climate change, it will help build ecosystem resilience. The protected areas are described as sanctuaries that can help marine life better withstand the pressures of a changing climate.
3. Targets under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
     • The final paragraph is a direct call for this type of partnership, stating that “Government, mana whenua, scientists, divers, paddlers, sailors, fishers, and watchers from shore, everyone has a role to play” for the ocean’s health.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 14
   • Indicator 14.5.1 (Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas): The article provides a direct quantitative indicator by stating the protected zones in the Hauraki Gulf have increased from 0.3% to 6%. It also mentions the global target of 30% by 2030.
   • Implied Indicators for Ecosystem Health (Target 14.2): The article suggests several qualitative and quantitative measures of ecosystem recovery:
     • The size and duration of “workups” (marine feeding events). The article notes they used to last for an hour but now only last a minute or two, implying this could be a recovery metric.
     • The restoration of kelp forests, as demonstrated by the research of Dr. Kelsey Miller. Progress could be measured by the area of kelp forest restored.
     • The abundance of fish populations and evidence of the “spillover effect” into adjacent areas.
     • The population health of key species mentioned, such as the critically endangered Bryde’s whales and various seabirds.
2. Indicators for SDG 13
   • Implied Indicators of Climate Impact: The article implies indicators that measure the negative effects of climate change on the marine environment:
     • Changes in sea temperature (“warming seas”).
     • Changes in the depth and offshore distribution of plankton.
3. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Qualitative Indicator for Partnerships (Target 17.17): The article does not provide a quantitative metric but implies a qualitative indicator: the existence and effectiveness of collaborative efforts and partnerships among the different stakeholders mentioned (government, mana whenua, scientists, and community groups).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsroom.co.nz