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Current Oceans work

Since 2006 oceans work has focused on fixing the most pressing marine problems in the short term while taking a more coordinated and integrated approach to marine management over time. The first priority for action is improving the regulatory regime for environmental impacts in the EEZ.

New Zealand’s EEZ extends from 12 to 200 nautical miles offshore and is one of the largest in the world. The EEZ has a wealth of natural biodiversity values, and great potential for future economic opportunities such as seabed minerals and energy generation. It is in the interests of all New Zealanders to harness this potential while managing the environment in a sustainable way. At the moment the EEZ is lacking a comprehensive regulatory system.

In August 2007 the Ministry for the Environment released a discussion paper, guided by the draft oceans policy framework. The discussion paper sought comment on a preferred legislative option for managing the impacts of activities in the EEZ.

The Ministry developed the detail of policy for improving regulation of environmental effects of activities in the EEZ in late 2007-early 2008. This work drew on the feedback received from workshops held in August and September 2007, and the 46 submissions received in response to the discussion paper. A summary of the submissions received by the Ministry, Improving Regulation of Environmental Effects in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone: Summary of Submissions, is available.

In June 2008 the government agreed to the drafting of an Exclusive Economic Zone Environmental Effects Bill. More information on the detail of the legislation can be found in the Cabinet paper: Proposal for Exclusive Economic Zone Environmental Effects Legislation.

For more information on this work please refer to the Minister for the Environment’s media release, or contact Nicky Blackman nicky.blackman@mfe.govt.nz or telephone (04) 439 7768.