New Zealand's coral ecosystem severely damaged.
The Green Party is calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling following a New Zealand vessel catching 37kg of coral in international waters. The area has been suspended for fishing until 2026.
According to Teanau Tuiono, Spokesperson for Oceans and Fisheries, the damage is a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of bottom trawling on marine life. "Our oceans are the lifeblood of Aotearoa," he said. "It's time this government stepped up, ended bottom trawling on seamounts, and put genuine protections in place for our marine biodiversity."
The Green Party had campaigned on banning bottom trawling on seamounts, which were abundant in the Lord Howe Rise. However, Minister Jones' response to the incident has been criticized as highlighting his disregard for the environment.
Teanau Tuiono accused the government of prioritizing profit over protection, saying, "Our oceans are not infinite resources to be exploited at whim." The Green Party is urging the Government to take immediate action and ban bottom trawling on seamounts before more ecosystems are destroyed.