The sustainability of the fisheries of the Hauraki Gulf is a major issue for all those who depend on it, from seabird populations to recreational and commercial fishers.
This is the focus of the first grant made by the Foundation from its Gulf Innovation Fund Together (G.I.F.T).
The grant, to Envirostrat, funds a feasibility study into the potential for achieving a high-value, low-impact Gulf fishery through impact investment. The study will consider options that can generate financial returns while also delivering positive impacts on the natural resources, ecosystems and communities of the Gulf.
The study will address some of the major issues at the heart of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan (Sea Change / Tai Timu Tai Pari). The Plan recommends a range of changes to fisheries and fishery management in the Gulf, including the application of kaitiakitanga and kotahitanga as principles of engagement.
“Creating a high-value, genuinely sustainable fishery is a key challenge identified in Tai Timu Tai Pari. There are many parts to this complex challenge, and we believe an impact investment approach may provide part of the answer.”
- Dr Nigel Bradly of Envirostrat
Dr Bradly is partnering with Richelle Kahui-McConnell and Lucy Tukua, who bring expertise in iwi and stakeholder engagement and working with local communities. A key area of focus will be demonstrating how this approach can benefit mana whenua and local communities through greater employment, capacity building and funding of local initiatives.
