October 2, 2015 — Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith is to lead New Zealand’s delegation to the Our Oceans Conference in Valparaiso, Chile next week with the aim of improving the management of the world’s oceans.
“Oceans make up 72 per cent of the world, but only two per cent is in protected areas. The populations of marine life like fish and seabirds have halved over the past 40 years. The biggest problems are in the high seas beyond individual countries’ jurisdictions, making up about 70 per cent of the oceans, where we need strengthened institutions and rules to ensure the sustainability of fishing stocks and improved protection of marine life,” Dr Smith says.
The conference is being hosted by the Chilean government, with representation from the United States – led by Secretary of State John Kerry – as well as from 100 other countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. New Zealand’s delegation includes Pacific Economic Development Ambassador Shane Jones, ocean law expert Bill Mansfield, and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Environment. New Zealand environmental organisations are also attending.