BOP: Remember the rules around the Motiti Protection Area
With two long weekends fast approaching, Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff would like to remind resident and visiting fishers to please remember the rules around the Motiti Protection Area.
The Motiti Protection Area is made up of three zones, which cover the three main reef systems off the coast of Motiti Island: Ōtaiti (Astrolabe Reef); including Te Papa (Brewis Shoal), Te Porotiti, and Okarapu Reef, Motuhaku Island (Schooner Rocks) and Motunau Island (Plate Island).
Under the new rules, no-one can take fish, shellfish, or plants from these areas. These rules apply to everyone equally, including customary, recreational and commercial fishers, and divers.
Compliance Manager Alex Miller says compliance and maritime staff will be patrolling in and around the protection area to ensure boaties are following the rules.
“We had a successful season this time last year and all our interactions with boaties were positive. Everyone we spoke to appreciated the information provided from the patrol crew and were happy to comply with the rules.
“If you’re new to the Bay or are unsure where the protection area is, you can find a list of GPS waypoints to view or download on our website.”
The rules were introduced in August 2021 to protect the indigenous biodiversity and acknowledge the significant marine, landscape and cultural values in the area.
Following the introduction of the Motiti Protection Area, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, iwi, and research partners are gathering information to build a picture about the health of the reef habitats and how the protection measures are working.
This monitoring work includes investigations into the fish species and benthic habitats (on the sea floor) within the protection areas (via remote video and scuba diver surveys). This will help inform Bay of Plenty Regional Council about the condition of and biodiversity on the reefs, and how the marine protection is influencing changes over time.
For more information about the protection area, visit the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website: www.boprc.govt.nz/mpa
Vessel Works attracts big boats
The world’s largest sailing catamaran is currently docked at Vessel Works in Tauranga Moana where it is undergoing a three-week refit.
The award-winning 44 metre (144 ft) superyacht, Hemisphere has been making waves with locals, with many using jet skis and boats to take a closer look.
Dave Withington, Vessel Works Marine Precinct Director, is thrilled such a prestigious vessel has chosen Tauranga for the work and explained how the precinct has had an upsurge in this calibre of clientele.
“Our yard has an impressive 6,300m2 hardstand, one of New Zealand’s largest capacity mobile vessel hoists, and access to highly acclaimed companies and crews.
We’re growing too – a few weeks ago refit specialists Super Yacht Coatings opened its new paint booth that can accommodate vessels over 50m.
All of this makes the precinct an attractive one stop shop for everyone from fishing fleets and workboats to superyachts and even waka,” said Withington.
Vessel Works was developed by Tauranga City Council and co-funded by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council with a goal to develop a marine facility that fostered economic growth and created more jobs for the people of Bay of Plenty.
Not only have they created more jobs, but the flow-on effect of attracting larger vessels and their crews has also benefited the tourism and hospitality industries too.
“Besides the world-class services of the precinct, we also promote the Bay of Plenty as a world class destination for crews too. There’s so much to see and do in the Bay, and it’s a great place for crews to take a break while their vessels are being worked on,’ explained Withington.
