Councillor says Motueka River ecology imploding

April 9th, 2013

Tasman District Councillor Zane Mirfin has used his Nelson Mail column to call for concerted action to stop the Motueka River ecology from "imploding".

Zane, a Richmond ward councillor and also a well-known fishing guide and expert, said that the Motueka is a world-class fishery, "just slipping into potential oblivion due to the lack of a decent management plan and some love and attention".

"Some will not agree, but without action the Motueka River ecology will continue to implode. Fortunately, the water quality is still OK because much of the water comes out of protected conservation land, but it's what happens between the DOC estate and the sea which is critical. With a few simple steps, it could be protected and enhanced.

"The Motueka is one of the most studied river systems in New Zealand. The issues and problems are well understood, but it's time to act before it is too late for the river and for Tasman Bay.

"The Motueka plume is a major contributor to the fertility of Tasman Bay and we humans monkey with nature at our peril. The scallop fishery has collapsed, largely because of excessive sedimentation, and last year's floods impacted on the inshore snapper fishery. What's next?

"Recent proposed central government reforms to streamline and speed up Resource Management Act (RMA) processes are also ringing alarm bells around the country with Fish & Game's Neil Deans charitably describing proposed changes as 'giving the chookhouse keys to the fox'."

Read the full Nelson Mail article here »

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