Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Research Articles

Marine reserves in New Zealand: A survey of community reactions

The social aspects in relation to the establishment of marine reserves have received little attention compared with the study of bio-physical phenomena. Subsequent to the passing of the Marine Reserves Act (1971), New Zealand led the world in protection of the marine environment with an area of non-extraction at Goat Island, Leigh. During the intervening years, no additional mainland marine reserves were created until the designation of Cathedral Cove marine reserve in 1993. The present study examined the nature of community reactions to marine reserve proposals. Beliefs, attitudes and knowledge regarding marine reserves were explored and related to the stance of the respondent (i.e. supporting or opposing a proposal for a marine reserve in their vicinity). Sample populations of 200 rate-payers from four target areas (two high-impact and two low-impact control areas) participated in a questionnaire study. Results confirmed the hypotheses that the establishment of marine reserves would be supported by the majority of respondents, dependent on the implementation of comprehensive social and environmental impact assessments, resulting in the identification of appropriate sites. Public involvement in the planning process, concomitant with information, communication and compromise were identified as strategies for reducing intergroup conflict. The findings of the present research have implications for legislation, implementation, policy-making, management and public relations relevant to the establishment of marine reserves.