Aotearoa New Zealand must step up its ocean protection efforts and work with Pacific neighbours to safeguard the migration routes that connect whales, dolphins and communities across the Pacific, a new report says.
Launched today ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, 'Western Pacific Blue Corridors: Charting a Course for a Connected Blue Pacific Stewardship' brings together satellite tracking, marine science and Indigenous and local knowledge to map the ocean pathways used by migratory species and identify opportunities to protect them.
The report shows that Aotearoa New Zealand is a critical part of this interconnected Pacific network. Nearly half of the world’s whale species inhabit or migrate through New Zealand’s waters, which provide an important link between tropical breeding grounds and Antarctic feeding areas.
Aotearoa provides important habitat for Bryde’s whales, while the sub-Antarctic islands and southern and eastern coasts of the South Island provide critical habitat for southern right whales. Their journeys are increasingly under pressure, with marine plastic pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and vessel strikes among the key threats.
Jamie Fowler, Conservation Impact Manager at WWF-New Zealand, says Aotearoa has an important role to play in creating a connected network of ocean protection across the Pacific.
“Whales don’t recognise borders on a map. They move across vast stretches of ocean, connecting the waters of Aotearoa with the wider Pacific and Southern Ocean.
“If we want to give these taonga a fighting chance, we need to protect the ocean as a connected system, not as a collection of isolated patches.
“For Aotearoa, that means urgently expanding our network of marine protected areas to include important whale habitat and migratory corridors, including around the Rangitāhua/Kermadec region.
“Aotearoa has been lagging on ocean protection for too long – but we have an opportunity to show leadership by working with our Pacific neighbours to protect the connected ocean that sustains us all.”
Blue corridors are migratory pathways used by marine species such as whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, tuna and rays. They connect the critical habitats these species depend on to feed, breed, rest and socialise as they move across the ocean.
The report calls for countries across the Western Pacific to build connected networks of marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, alongside action to reduce threats from fishing, shipping and tourism.
It recommends building connected national, transboundary and high-seas marine protection networks to contribute to the global goal of protecting at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
The report specifically recommends that Aotearoa expands its marine protected area networks to include critical whale habitats identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as strengthening protection in Aotearoa’s territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone, including around the Rangitāhua/Kermadec region.
Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fatafehi Kinikinilau Lolomana‘ia Fakafānua said:
“Tonga is committed to advancing the protection of blue corridors nationally and regionally with neighbouring countries. Protecting whales and other migratory marine species depends on safeguarding the connected ocean pathways they use across national waters and the high seas.
“This underscores the need for countries to work together to support a healthy ocean and thriving, sustainable blue economies. The Western Pacific Blue Corridors Initiative will help guide Tonga’s ocean commitments and strengthen coordinated Pacific action for our ocean, our people and future generations.”
Alfred Ralifo, WWF Pacific Conservation Director, said:
“Whales and dolphins are kin, ancestors and guides woven through our cultures. Protecting their blue corridors is an act of stewardship for generations to come. WWF-Pacific is proud to work with communities, governments and partners to keep these ocean pathways alive.”
Globally, an estimated 300,000 cetaceans are killed each year through fisheries bycatch, while a third of the world’s cetacean species are now classified as threatened. Seven of the 14 great whale species are classified as Endangered or Vulnerable.