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New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, home to large populations of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, several of which are endemic species, are set to get improved protection when a regional coastal plan produced by the Department of Conservation is adopted (click here).

The purpose of the proposed regional coastal plan is to promote the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources of the coastal marine areas of the Kermadec and New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands (Snares Islands/Tini Heke, the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku and the islands adjacent to Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku).

The two key threats to these island groups are from biosecurity breaches and oil spills.  However, the offshore islands are so remote and in such rough seas that a response to either type of event will be very challenging.  Given the significant natural values, a precautionary approach focusing on prevention, is considered critical.  The plan is currently under final review after a period of comment with submissions received from a wide range of bodies (click here for the summary document).  A public hearing was held in June.

Click here to access the 2005 New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Research Strategy.  The 1998-2008 Conservation Management strategy for New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands has been extended to 2012.

Click here to read what can happen when an oil spill occurs on an oceanic seabird island.

Selected references:

Department of Conservation 1998.  Conservation Management Strategy Subantarctic Islands 1998-2008.  Southland Conservancy Conservation Management Planning Series No. 10.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  113 pp.

West, C.J. 2003.  New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Research Strategy.  Invercargill: Department of Conservation. 38 pp.

Department of Conservation 2006.  Marine Protection for the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands: a Background Resource Document & CD ROM.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  48 pp.

Department of Conservation 2011.  Proposed Regional Coastal Plan.  Kermadec and Subantarctic Islands.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  85 pp.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 August 2011