POLICIES 4.4 Marine species, habitats and ecosystems
4.4 (a) Conservation management strategies should identify marine habitats and ecosystems which require protection, in consultation with tangata whenua and other people and organisations.
4.4 (b) Tangata whenua and other interested persons and organisations will be invited to participate in the planning, establishment and management of marine reserves.
4.4 (c) The establishment of marine reserves adjacent to public conservation lands and waters will be considered where it is beneficial for conservation management.
4.4 (d) Marine reserves will be managed to be maintained or restored to a natural state as far as possible.
4.4 (e) The Department should work with other agencies and interests to promote and develop a marine protected areas network, including marine reserves, wildlife reserves, sanctuaries and other protective mechanisms.
4.4 (f) Protected marine species should be managed for their long-term viability and recovery throughout their natural range.
4.4 (g) Where unprotected marine species are identified as threatened, consideration will be given to amending the Wildlife Act 1953 schedules to declare such species absolutely protected.
4.4 (h) Tangata whenua, as kaitiaki, will be:
- i. invited to participate in the protection of marine species of cultural importance to them;
- ii. provided with access to the remains of dead marine protected species for customary use, including those incidentally caught in commercial fishing, consistent with relevant legislation and agreed protocols;
- iii. provided with immediate notification of strandings where possible; and
- iv. involved in the management of stranded marine mammals, in accordance with agreed protocols.
4.4 (i) Carcasses of stranded marine mammals should be left unburied if they are lying in remote places where this does not give rise to a public nuisance.
4.4 (j) Human interactions with marine mammals and other protected marine species should be managed to avoid or minimise adverse effects on populations and individuals.
4.4 (k) Whales and dolphins should not be brought into or bred in captivity in New Zealand or exported to be held in captivity, except where this is essential for the conservation management of the species.
4.4 (l) The Department should work with other agencies and interests to protect marine species.
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