The why

The Waikato region's coastal and marine environment is immensely important. From the high tide mark out to 12 nautical miles offshore, our region's coastal and marine environment includes 1200km of coastline and covers over 10,000km² in area for leisure, aquaculture, recreational and commercial fishing, shipping and tourism.

In addition to these activities and uses, marine ecosystems are integral to the cultural identity of many communities across the region.

Healthy marine areas provide habitat for shellfish, other invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. They improve water quality by filtering water, soaking up nutrients and trapping sediment. They also play a vital role in climate regulation by capturing and storing carbon.

Given the coastal and marine environment is a third of our region, there are opportunities to further develop this ‘blue economy’, strengthening the Waikato and the wellbeing of people who live in our coastal communities and/or make their living from marine-based industries.

Interest in our region’s blue economy will undoubtedly increase. We need to prepare for that now, ensuring the right planning and policies are in place so future blue business activities can be economically viable while supporting the needs of our marine ecosystems. At the same time, we need a better understanding of the role these ecosystems could have in supporting a sustainable blue economy, and the resilience and adaptability of coastal communities.

Integrated coastal and catchment planning is key to keeping our marine ecosystems healthy. It’s an approach which recognises the relationship between land-based activities, the fresh water that flows into marine ecosystems, and activities at sea.