Marine
The sea has always held a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. Not
surprising when you realise that all New Zealand residents live within 130
kilometres of the sea and a significant number live on or close to the coast.
In particular, the oceans have great spiritual significance for Māori.
Oceans have immense value to life, through nutrient cycling, waste assimilation, and their wide-ranging biodiversity of plants, animals and food resources. The New Zealand marine environment is home to a large number of species that live nowhere else in the world.
A number of industries also rely on the quality of our marine environment for local and export trade. Our oceans offer economic opportunities in fisheries, hydrocarbon exploration (especially gas), mineral deposits, ocean tourism and biotechnology.
These industries, along with the agriculture industry, have a large impact on the quality of our oceans. Developing your business to be sustainable will not only ensure that the ocean can carry on supplying plentiful resources, but also prove a popular move with New Zealanders.
The links below will help you develop sustainability in your specific business field.
Guides
Guidance for Voluntary, Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting
This publication gives guidance for corporations on voluntary Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting, including emission factors. It is intended to help those corporates that wish to voluntarily monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions on an organisational basis for their New Zealand operations.
Marine protection rules (Maritime Safety Authority)
Marine protection rules are aimed at preventing pollution of the sea from ships and the disposal of waste. Marine protection rule-making powers cover the implementation of international conventions and standards for protection of the marine environment; marine protection documents; dumping of waste at sea; oil spill contingency plans; and controls in relation to harmful substances, including the discharge of produced water from offshore installations.
Organisations
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
The Marine Stewardship Council has developed an environmental standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. It uses a product label to reward environmentally responsible fishery management and practices.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
The International Maritime Organisation leads developments in international maritime law including environmental instruments. They have a wealth of guidance material on their website for all things marine and environmental.
Other resources
Energy Efficient Ways to improve the economic bottom line of your fishing business [PDF, 1.8MB] (Energy Federation of NZ)
This kit provides information on energy use and energy efficiency in the fishing sector.
Websites
NZ Oceans Policy (Ministry for the Environment)
The government is developing an Oceans Policy to ensure integrated and consistent management of the oceans within New Zealand's jurisdiction.
Think something should be added to Simply Sustainable? Send your suggestion to webmaster@mfe.govt.nz.
