A convoy of recreational fishers towing boats is expected to create traffic delays across Auckland's motorways today to protest aspects of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act and other proposed fishing reforms.
The One Ocean protest will see attendees drive a nearly 30km route through the City of Sails from Albany to Tāmaki Drive in Mission Bay.
The Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill extends two existing marine reserves, where removing marine life was prohibited, and establishes five seafloor protection zones where the bottom of the ocean can't be significantly disturbed.
Twelve high-protection areas were also created by the bill, where a range of activities, including most commercial and recreational fishing, were prohibited. However, commercial ring net fishing operators were granted exclusive use of two of these areas in a late-stage amendment.
Co-organiser Ben Chissell said the protest was not against commercial fishing, but his position was that if the Hauraki Gulf was so badly depleted that areas needed to be shut off, then no one should fish them.
Protesters began gathering at Albany Park and Ride from 7am before joining State Highway 1 via the Oteha Valley Road on-ramp at 9am. The convoy will cross the Harbour Bridge, exit towards the port, then travel along Stanley Street to Tāmaki Drive.
From there, the route continues through Kohimarama Road and Kepa Road before looping back to Tāmaki Drive and dispersing onto the motorways.
New law triples size of protected areas, expands marine reserves, and introduces high-protection zones to help restore life to the struggling Gulf. (Source: 1News)
In a statement to 1News, police said it was "well aware" of the planned protest and had been in contact with the group.
"Police will be across the route to monitor key intersections across the roading network. Our focus is to ensure safety, and to minimise traffic disruption as much as possible."
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