Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Transcription

1 EVALUATION REPORT Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve Location: Auckland Region, North Island, New Zealand; Hauraki Gulf, Pacific Ocean Global Ocean Refuge Status: Nominated (2018), Evaluated (2018) MPAtlas.org ID: 823 Manager(s): New Zealand Department of Conservation MAPS 2 1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 1.1 Biodiversity Value Effective Management & Compliance 6 2. AWARD STATUS CRITERIA 2.1 Regulations Site Design & Management GLORES NETWORK PRIORITIES 3.1 Ecosystem Representation Ecological Spatial Connectivity 13

2 Figure 1: The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is a 5.47 km 2 protected area in the North Island of New Zealand. It was established in 1975 as the first marine reserve in New Zealand. Goat Island lies within the reserve and Leigh is the closest town. Auckland University operates Leigh Marine Laboratory at the reserve (Source: Department of Conservation, n.d.)

3 Figure 2: The habitats found in Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, predominantly intertidal, crustose algae, kelp forest, sponge garden, deep reef, and soft sediment, are representative of the wider Hauraki Gulf coastal environment (Source: Department of Conservation, n.d.). -3-

4 1.1 Eligibility Criteria: Biodiversity Value (must satisfy at least one) a. Includes area of high species richness or endemism within the context of the biogeographic region. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (CROP) Marine Reserve is located in the Hauraki Gulf along the coast of New Zealand s North Island. This region hosts diverse habitats including rocky intertidal, kelp forest, sponge-dominated deep rocky reef and sediment 1 and boasts high productivity, leading to high marine biodiversity. 2 There are nearly 1,000 marine species within the reserve, and many marine species in New Zealand waters are endemic. 3,4 Some of these endemic species can be found in marine reserve like the little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri), the bryozoan Beania bilaminata, the Escharoides excavata and the Tasman Bay coral (Celleporaria agglutinans). 5,6,7 In addition to species of fish, crustaceans, sea squirts, anemones, corals and sponges found in the reserve waters, Goat Island is inhabited by petrels, penguins, and other birds. 8 b. Includes demonstrated historic or predicted ecological refugia. The Conservation Management Strategy identifies coastal cliffs as biodiversity refugia, protecting many threatened species from urban expansion. 9 c. Includes rare, unique, or representative ecosystems. The habitats in CROP Marine Reserve are representative of the wider Hauraki Gulf coastal environment. 10 CROP Marine Reserve contains a diverse range of habitats which include sand, rocky coastline, barren areas, sponge gardens and deep reefs. The habitats and biodiversity of the marine reserve are typical of the northeastern biogeographic 1 Leleu, K., et al. (2012) Mapping habitats in a marine reserve showed how a 30-year trophic cascade altered ecosystem structure. Biological Conservation 155: Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (n.d.) Our marine environment. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from 5 Thelma Wilson, Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Department of Conservation, personal communication, 25 June Backpacker Guide New Zealand (n.d.) 20 animals and birds unique to New Zealand. Backpacker Guide New Zealand. Retrieved June 2018 from 7 Smith, A.M. and Gordon, D.P. (2011) Bryozoans of southern New Zealand: a field identification guide. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, pp Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2015) Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve brochure, p

5 region. Reefs in the reserve are mostly covered by kelp Ecklonia radiata but some areas have a mix of seaweeds. 11 d. Includes area important for threatened species (including those identified by the IUCN Red List or national legislation), keystone species, or foundational species. Important areas include migration pathways and breeding, nursery, feeding, or assembly areas. Threatened species observed in CROP Marine Reserve include Bryde s whale (Balaenoptera edeni, NC/NZTCS), killer whale (Orcinus orca, NC/NZTCS), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates, NE/NZTCS), black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni, NV/NZTCS) (VU/IUCN 12 ), little penguin (Eudyptula minor, D/NZTCS), Cook s petrel (Pterodroma cookie, R/NZTCS) (VU/IUCN 13 ), fleshfooted shearwater (Puffinus carneipes hullianus, D/NZTCS), fluttering shearwater (Puffinus gavial, R/NZTCS), black shag (Phalacrocorax carbo novaehollandiae, NU/NZTCS), pied shag (Phalacrocorax varius varius, NV/NZTCS), little black shag (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, NU/NZTCS), little shag (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos brevirostris, NU/NZTCS), South Island pied oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus finschi, D/NZTCS), variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor, RE/NZTCS) and white-fronted tern (Sterna striata, D/NZTCS). 14 NZTCS New Zealand Threat Classification System NC Nationally Critical NE Nationally Endangered NV Nationally Vulnerable NU Naturally Uncommon D Declining R Relict RE Recovering e. Qualifying Designations 11 Department of Conservation (n.d) Habitat. Department of Conservation. Retrieved May 2018 from 12 BirdLife International (2017) Procellaria parkinsoni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved May 2018 from 13 BirdLife International (2016) Pterodroma cookii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved May 2018 from 14 Department of Conservation (n.d.) Threatened species. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from

6 1.2 Eligibility Criteria: Effective Management & Compliance (must satisfy all) a. The MPA is designated by a legitimate and functional government representing the interests of civil society, and the MPA s implementation meets the IUCN standards for recognizing indigenous peoples rights. CROP Marine Reserve was established in 1975 under the Marine Reserves Act 1971 and was the first marine reserve in New Zealand. Goat Island, or Te Hāwere-a-Maki, is of great importance to Ngāti Manuhiri, the local Maori tribe. The tribe s ancestral waka, or canoe, landed nearby. Ngāti Manuhiri retains guardianship and customary rights over this area. 15 The Conservation Management Strategy indicates that the Department of Conservation will be working to support iwi [Maori tribes] to achieve their aspirations in relation to these places and to implement settlements. Additionally, The Department recognizes the role of tangata whenua [Maori people] as kaitiaki [guardians] and acknowledges their mana whenua, the special relationship they have with the land and its resources The Department is committed to recognizing iwi and hapū [Maori subtribes] who are at various stages of the Treaty settlement process. The Department will provide for iwi involvement in kaitiakitanga [guardianship] irrespective of whether they have settled their historic grievances or not. 16 Enhanced relationships with Maori are being created through the Crown s Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. Until 2024 there will be important changes in the relationships between tangata whenua and the Department of Conservation with the settlement of many of the historical grievances with the Crown. The Department will have a contributing role in the settlement of historical claims and the ongoing results of settlements will be taken into account in the ongoing management and implementation of the current Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). During the duration of the present CMS, it is expected that all iwi and hapu will have settled their historical grievances with the Crown. 17 One of the objectives of the Treaty of Waitangi is to actively consult and work with tangata whenua, ensuring consultation is early, ongoing, informed and effective. 18 b. The MPA is designated to enhance the biodiversity value of the site. The Department of Conservation states: Intended as a conservation tool rather than a fisheries management tool, marine reserves protect all components of a marine ecosystem, helping to conserve biodiversity and allowing ecosystems to return to a more 15 Department of Conservation (2015) Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve brochure, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p

7 natural state. 19 The Department of Conservation also asserts, The main aim of a marine reserve is to create an area free from alterations to marine habitats and life. 20 c. The MPA designation is permanent or is effective for at least 25 years. The designation is permanent. 21 d. A management plan, updated within the last 15 years, identifies and prioritizes significant threats to biodiversity and addresses those threats with measurable actions; the resources and capacity to implement the management plan are identified and secured. A comprehensive Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) for the Auckland region (including CROP Marine Reserve) was published in 2014 and is in effect until 2024, although it may be extended with ministerial approval. The four priority programs in the Auckland Region are the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which includes CROP Marine Reserve, biosecurity, biodiversity, and marine conservation. 22 The CMS identifies threats both in the region as a whole, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, 23 and specifically within the reserve. Part I, Section 6 of the strategy (pages 26-40) includes a description of current management, management objectives to achieve during the life of the plan, and the milestones and outputs associated with the objectives focused around 5 goals for 2024: 6.1 The diversity of our natural heritage is maintained and restored (page 26) 6.2 Our history is protected and brought to life (page 32) 6.3 More people participate in recreation (page 34) 6.4 More people engage with conservation (page 36) 6.5 Conservation gains from business partnerships (page 39). One significant threat to CROP Marine Reserve is human interaction and intervention. With over 300,000 visitors each year, CROP Marine Reserve is facing great pressure from increasing use. 24 The layout of the site does not allow for increased visitor facilities, so the Department of Conservation created the Leigh Recreation Reserve to provide facilities and off-site parking Department of Conservation (n.d.) Purpose and benefits of marine reserves. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from 20 Department of Conservation (n.d.) Type 1 Marine Protected Areas: Marine reserves. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from 21 Parliamentary Counsel Office (2017) Marine Reserves Act Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p

8 Part III of the strategy (pp ) includes the Department of Conservation s policies for managing conservation areas, including policies for watercraft, aircraft, animals, marine mammals, sand and shingle extraction and collection of material. Potential conservation threats are outlined for each policy category, along with approaches to prevent these threats. Threats identified within the Northeastern bioregion, which encompasses CROP Marine Reserve, include ongoing coastal development, trampling of intertidal organisms in high-use areas, invasive marine species and toxic algal blooms. 26 Although there is no monitoring for invasive marine species in the marine reserve, the diversity and abundance of invasive species is thought to be low. The Ministry for Primary Industries maintains a national database of marine pests and a marine pest identification guide so that invasive species can be identified and the Department of Conservation can be notified. There are two invasive species that are currently being targeted for prevention, containment or control by the Department of Conservation and that are present within 50 km of the reserve: Undaria pinnatifida: Japanese kelp that competes with native seaweeds; established in many parts of New Zealand, including Great Barrier Island 50 km away. Styela clava: stalked sea squirt that forms dense colonies and smothers other species; also established in many parts of New Zealand, including Mahurangi East, approximately 25 km away. It is likely that these species will arrive in the marine reserve in the future. 27 There are plans to manage visitor flows at Goat Island Bay to minimize congestion and overcrowding within the Leigh reserves during peak summer months by providing a maximum of up to 1500 people at a time within the reserves. Monitoring of visitors and structure impact on intertidal and subtidal marine species and habitats within CROP will also be undertaken to ensure the protection and well-being of marine life. 28 e. Regular monitoring of habitat and/or wildlife is conducted to measure progress with respect to conservation targets. A report of monitoring data is required at each GLORES audit after designation. Any negative biological trends identified through monitoring must be addressed in management plans. Progress toward identifying threats and addressing them must be documented. The Department of Conservation also undertakes surveys on fish and lobster populations every few years, with the most recent available fish monitoring report dating from 2011 and the most recent lobster monitoring report dating from Populations are studied both within the reserve and in surrounding areas for comparison. There has also been a 26 Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (n.d) Marine Pests. Department of Conservation. Retrieved May 2018 from 28 Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p

9 monthly monitoring of water quality since A partnership with Air New Zealand funds the CROP Marine Reserve lobster monitoring program, and results are published on the Department of Conservation website. 30 The Leigh Marine Laboratory, an Institute of the University of Auckland, overlooks CROP Marine Reserve and conducts research in the reserve and in the Hauraki Gulf. For more than 50-years the Marine Laboratory has been studying the local effects of conservation to the broader context, direct effects of protection to indirect effects, and the small-scale spatial conservation management to ecosystem-based management. 31 It has also contributed immensely towards increasing the knowledge of marine species diversity by describing 570 new species of New Zealand marine life. 32 The ecosystems within CROP Marine Reserve are healthier and in more natural state than those outside its boundaries. According to a study, before the marine reserve was created, much of the kelp forest on the reef areas was grazed bare by sea urchins (to urchin barrens). Sea urchins declined following increased abundance and body size of spiny (rock) lobster and fish (especially snapper) in the reserve but maintained bare rock outside. Their increased predation on sea urchins led to the kelp forests regenerating. 33 Research on reserve sites across northern New Zealand demonstrated that protected areas had a higher abundance and biomass of large fishes than fished sites, particularly for snapper Chrysophrys auratus. The effects of reserves were reflected not only in the direct interactions between fishing and targeted species (higher large fish biomass; higher snapper and lobster abundance) but also in second order interactions (lower urchin abundance), third order interactions (higher kelp cover which in the CROP reserve mean cover of Ecklonia was twice has high), and fourth order interactions (lower understory algal cover). 34 Data collected on regionally fished species indicates that the reserve is working. An ecological survey commissioned by the Department of Conservation compared the population of spiny lobster (Jasus edwardsii) in the reserve to populations in six unprotected sites. The spiny lobster populations had suffered a broad-scale decline between 1995 and 2000 (within CROP it declined from 40 lobsters per 500m 2 to 29 Department of Conservation (n.d.) Monitoring. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from 30 Department of Conservation (n.d.) Marine projects funded by Air New Zealand. Department of Conservation. Retrieved June 2017 from 31 Babcock, R.C. (2013) Leigh Marine Laboratory contributions to marine conservation. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 47: Gordon, P.D. and Ballantine, B. (2013) Contribution of the Leigh Marine Laboratory to knowledge of marine species diversity. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 47: Leleu, K., et al. (2012) Mapping habitats in a marine reserve showed how a 30-year trophic cascade altered ecosystem structure. Biological Conservation 155: Edgar, G. J., et al. (2017) Consistent multi-level trophic effects of marine reserve protection across northern New Zealand. PLoS ONE 12:

10 approximately 10 per 500m 2 ) 35, but in 2006 the population within the reserve was 11 times greater than non-reserve populations. 36 However, crayfish and snapper numbers in CROP are lower than when the reserve was established. Dr. Nick Shears from the Leigh Marine Laboratory attributed the decline to fishing on the reserve boundaries and the state of the wider fishery and said the pattern is similar at marine reserves at Tawharanui and Hahei. 37 f. The MPA garners high regulation compliance rate. Evidence of adequate resources and capacity (including budget and staff) for enforcement is required. The site is managed by the Department of Conservation. Surveillance and enforcement of the reserve is carried out by [Department of Conservation] enforcement officers and honorary rangers (community volunteers appointed under the Marine Reserves Act 1971). Penalties for violating the regulations of the marine reserve include seizure of equipment, fines and imprisonment. 38 The current budget for marine compliance, signs and monitoring is NZ$ 18,000 which is allocated via an annual business planning process in conjunction with all the other sites and species managed across the Auckland Region. However, the costs of printed pamphlets and web site information (NZ$ 300 per year) are funded separately. 39 There is additional funding to cover servicing the adjacent public car park, toilets, walking tracks and mowing contracts which for this fiscal year corresponds to NZ$ 45,000 of asset depreciation. This translates into 1,000 hours of ranger time (per year) who are paid NZ$ 45,000 annually. 40 The reserve staff dedicates at least 78 hours per week to the marine reserve (compliance, management, etc.); much of this work is undertaken by honorary rangers on a contract basis. There is also a large number of people that volunteer and help monitor commercial activity in the reserve (e.g., university staff). These volunteers are also considered to be Honorary Rangers (that undertake compliance as volunteers) and they attend the same training (an 8 day training course) as full time staff Department of Conservation (2014) Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve and Tawharanui Marine Reserve Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) Monitoring Programme: 2014 Survey, p ASR Limited (2006) Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Lobster Monitoring Program. 37 Higham, T. (2016) Marine Reserve Declines. Gulf Journal. Retrieved May 2018 from 38 Department of Conservation (2015) Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve brochure, p Thelma Wilson, Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Department of Conservation, personal communication, 19 June Thelma Wilson, Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Department of Conservation, personal communication, 19 June Thelma Wilson, Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Department of Conservation, personal communication, 19 June

11 The park s managers characterize enforcement of regulations in the park as active and consistent GLORES Award Status Criteria: Regulations Scores 1-3 = Platinum, 3-4 = Gold, 4-5 = Silver Classification and scoring (1-8) of zones based on fishing gear, bottom exploitation, aquaculture, and boating. Additional consideration: Buffer zones zones of reduced human impact surrounding core no-take protected areas enhance the conservation value of core no-take areas. An MPA that includes a large (>100 km2) no-take zone (Zone regulation score 1-3) surrounded by a buffer zone with a score 3-5 may be considered for a GLORES Platinum Award. The regulation score for Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is 3. The area is a no-take zone, and fishing and aquaculture are strictly prohibited. Boating and anchoring are permitted. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve: 5.47 km 2 Zone Score: 3 Number of fishing gear types allowed: 0 Fishing gear impact score: 0 Bottom exploitation & aquaculture index: 0 Anchoring & boating index: GLORES Award Status Criteria: Site Design and Management 3 Attributes = Platinum, 2 Attributes = Gold, 1 Attribute = Silver a. Size: MPA 100 km 2 or explicitly designed as part of a network of MPAs to support population connectivity CROP covers an area of 5.47 km b. Isolation: Ecological or other protected area buffers surround ecosystem(s) Reserve boundaries are drawn in such a way as to include entire habitats and provide a buffer region for ecosystem protection, 44 except on the eastern and western ends (see Figure 2). 42 Thelma Wilson, Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Department of Conservation, personal communication, 19 June Department of Conservation (2015) Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve brochure, p Ayling, A.M. (1978) Okakari Point to Cape Rodney Marine Reserve: A Biological Survey. University of Auckland Marine Laboratory, p

12 c. Age: Protections in the site, comparable to the current protections, are 10 years old The site was established in 1975 and was officially impelemented in d. Community engagement: There is a formal process to engage the local community in the implementation and/or ongoing management of the MPA. Community involvement in the management of conservation areas is a high priority for the Department of Conservation. The Conservation Management Strategy states, Broader community involvement and education are important throughout the life of this strategy, 46 and The Department will seek to develop and encourage communities to initiate and lead conservation programmes. 47 The Conservation Management Strategy itself was developed through a lengthy public process and is the result of input from many in the community. 48 This input was garnered though surveys and public and targeted meetings in two phases over seven years. Additionally, the Department of Conservation works in collaboration with Ngāti Manuhiri, the University of Auckland, Auckland Council and other adjoining landowners to achieve integrated management and protection of the Leigh Reserves Complex (to which CROP MPA belongs to). The Marine Reserve is recognized for its contribution to the local community, and provides an excellent example of the scientific, socio-economic and biological benefits of marine reserves. 49 Lastly, some of the honorary rangers appointed for enforcement are community volunteers GLORES Network Priorities: Ecosystem Representation CROP Marine Reserve includes subtropical habitats representative of the diverse and unique New Zealand waters, including rocky intertidal, kelp forest, sponge-dominated deep rocky reef and sediment. 51 Because the Global Ocean Refuge System is only in its second year, the ecosystems protected by CROP Marine Reserve will be the first of these ecosystems within the region to be represented in a Global Ocean Refuge. 45 Ballantine, J.W. and Gordon, P.D. (1979) New Zealand s first marine reserve, Cape Rodney to Okakari Point, Leigh. Biology Conservation 15: Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2014) Conservation Management Strategy: Auckland , Volume I, p Department of Conservation (2015) Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve brochure, p Leleu, K., et al. (2012) Mapping habitats in a marine reserve showed how a 30-year trophic cascade altered ecosystem structure. Biological Conservation 155:

13 3.2 GLORES Network Priorities: Ecological Spatial Connectivity Because the Global Ocean Refuge System is only in its second year, there are no other Global Ocean Refuges in the region with which to consider the ecological spatial connectivity contribution of CROP Marine Reserve. In future GLORES award cycles, we will describe the location of the MPA within the context of the existing GLORES network, considering connectivity