This is neat! It's from the NZ Herald and I hope I'm not violating any
copyright stuff by posting this here:

Marine reserve created off Stewart Island


                                         04.06.2004 6.00 pm 6.00pm

A marine reserve that will protect the habitat of one of the oldest
known shellfish is to be created off Stewart Island, Conservation
Minister Chris Carter announced today.

The Ulva Island Marine Reserve will cover 1075 hectares along 12km of
coastline in the heart of Paterson Inlet.

"This is a very exciting development in marine conservation because
Paterson Inlet's crystal clear waters are a treasure chest of marine
life," he said.

"Most importantly, Paterson Inlet is one of only a few sites in the
world where four species of primitive shellfish, called brachiopods or
lamp shells, live on the seabed at depths which visitors to the area
can dive to."

Lamp shells were living fossils, dating back 600 million years, Mr
Carter said.

"That such a substantial population of these shellfish remains in our
waters is just one example of the remarkable marine bounty New Zealand
is fortunate enough to have," he said.

In a related announcement, Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said a
mataitai reserve would be created in Paterson Inlet to promote
fisheries sustainability.

Mataitai reserves recognise and provide for customary food gathering by
Maori in areas that are special to tangata whenua.

The mataitai, New Zealand's third, will be known as Te Whaka a Te Wera
Mataitai Reserve. It will cover most of the 10,000ha inlet.

"Paterson Inlet has long been prized for its fisheries by tangata
whenua, the Stewart Island community, and recreational fishers," he
said.

"The high water quality and range of habitats support important
fisheries such as blue cod, paua, scallops, rock lobster, and kina."

There is no commercial fishing in the inlet.

The guardians (tangata tiaki) of the mataitai reserve intend to manage
its non-commercial fisheries sustainably with the input and
participation of local user groups, Mr Benson-Pope said.

"The tangata tiaki can recommend that the Minister of Fisheries make
by-laws for the mataitai reserve," he said.

"Any such by-laws cannot discriminate on the basis of race and apply,
generally, to all persons."

- NZPA

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