New Zealand Faces Pressure to Step Up Ocean Protection Efforts

New Zealand, whose enormous ocean territory spans an area 15 times larger than its landmass, is now under mounting pressure to deliver on worldwide ambitions in ocean protection. Although a strong advocate of measures to conserve the sea, its sole 0.4% existing protection of its maritime area as no-take marine reserves significantly lags behind the 30% target by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The appeal to action follows world leaders, scientists, and policy-makers recently coming together in Nice, France, for the United Nations Ocean Conference and the One Ocean Science Congress. The two events succeeded each other in turn as global conferences to discuss ocean degradation and call on countries to commit to more robust marine policies.

New Zealand was represented at the UN Ocean Conference by Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who prioritized Pacific regional matters. The nation is blamed for having to assume more responsibility for its seas. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark was publicly criticized by the government for the slow progress made in ocean conservation, specifically the continued practice of bottom trawling—a harmful technique for marine ecosystems.

Legal and Environmental Responsibilities

The legal obligations of New Zealand to protect its marine ecosystems are clear. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea recently issued an advisory opinion confirming that every state has duties under international law to address the impacts of climate change in the ocean, facilitate the restoration of the ecosystems, and prevent the contamination of the seas.

Domestically, the courts of New Zealand have acknowledged the necessity of an ecosystem and precautionary approach to managing the marine environment with mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) in mind. Failure to comply with these legal requirements can invite domestic and foreign legal penalties.

One of the key concerns is the government's proposal to amend the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. The changes may prioritize economic uses such as aquaculture, mining, and coastal development over conservation. Conservationists and indigenous Māori communities are concerned the shift may further destroy marine environments and undermine the nation's capacity to meet international commitments.

Delays in Ratifying the High Seas Treaty

Apart from its domestic policies, New Zealand has so far not ratified the High Seas Treaty, an international policy looking to preserve oceanic biodiversity in seas worldwide. Though the agreement had been signed prior to the previous general election, the current government has yet to seek ratification. Currently, the agreement has only 50 signatories—10 shy of the required 60 for it to be implemented.

Ratification of the treaty and strengthening New Zealand's domestic marine protections would enable New Zealand to sign up to its international obligations and show leadership in world ocean governance.

Climate Change and Ocean Degradation

Like most countries, New Zealand is feeling the direct effects of climate change in the ocean. More frequent marine heatwaves are putting extra pressure on already vulnerable marine species. These warmer waters disturb biodiversity, reallocate fish migration patterns, and affect coastal communities reliant on marine ecosystems.

Whereas other nations are actually being bold—like China's decrease of carbon emissions despite increasing energy needs and French Polynesia's establishment of a vast network of marine protected areas—New Zealand falls behind in being similarly ambitious.

The Case for Stronger Indigenous Inclusion

Environmentalists and experts posit that the most preferable action would be increased Indigenous engagement in ocean policy. Māori, with their profound spiritual and cultural connection with the sea, have been marine life custodians for centuries. Their indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices are essential to effective ocean management.

New Zealand already has a solid basis in transdisciplinary and Indigenous research. From this basis with the actual integration of Māori perspectives into decision-making, New Zealand can create marine policies relevant to the local context as well as of immense global impact.

The Chance to Lead
Halfway across the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, there is one takeaway message: countries must act swiftly and get on with it. With timely conservation, marine ecosystems can be brought back into full health, but time is running out.

New Zealand also has the ability and obligation to change its current direction. With a huge ocean realm, rich cultural heritage of indigenous knowledge, and base of current science infrastructure, New Zealand has an ideal position to take a lead.

The next few years will be pivotal. Whether or not New Zealand rises to the challenge or continues to fall behind will not only determine its future at sea but its position on the planet on the management of the environment.

Credits:
This article is based on content originally published by The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Written by Conrad Pilditch, Elizabeth Macpherson, Joanne Ellis, Karen Fisher, Karin Bryan, Rachael Mortiaux, and Simon Francis Thrush. Edited by Lisa Lock and reviewed by Alexander Pol.