Greens propose ending fishing carve-outs and banning bottom trawling in Hauraki Gulf

Chlöe Swarbrick of the Green Party unveiled a comprehensive marine-conservation bill targeting the Hauraki Gulf. The proposal revokes the commercial ring-net fishing carve-out granted under the previous government and initiates a gradual ban on bottom trawling, beginning with seamounts and other critical habitats. It commits to protecting 30 percent of the Gulf by 2030 through reforms to marine protected-area legislation and collaboration with iwi, hapū, the Hauraki Gulf Forum and local councils.

Additional measures call for increased funding for marine biosecurity, deployment of cameras on fishing vessels to cut by-catch, and a review of the Quota Management System to align fisheries with ecosystem health. The Greens also propose stricter controls on wastewater discharges and a phase-out of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser to curb land-based pollution. Swarbrick framed the initiative as a response to public demand for cleaner water, safe swimming and sustainable fishing.