Oceans and Fisheries Minister's initiative starts paying off.
New Zealand's efforts to combat kina barrens have taken a positive step forward with the approval of the first special permit for removing excess kina. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones introduced new rules this year allowing local communities to take direct action against these marine areas, which threaten the ecosystem.
The first group to be approved is Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative, a community-led project in Hauraki Gulf involving volunteers from various organizations, iwi, and the local community. The initiative aims to restore local coastal habitats by removing excess kina from barrens or areas at risk of forming them.
According to Minister Jones, this special permit is designed to enable communities to take action and help restore marine habitats. The first community day for volunteers to assist in kina removal will be held on Saturday, 16 November.
The approval marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's efforts to combat the issue of kina barrens and restore its coastal marine ecosystem.