Oceans Policy
MoRST’s role in policy development for Oceans Policy is outlined in the introduction to the Environment section.
What is Oceans Policy?
The project to develop an Oceans Policy was launched in October 2000. The Minister of Research, Science and Technology launched the process to manage and govern New Zealand’s oceans in the future.
The Oceans Policy will identify goals and objectives for managing the marine environment and the best way to achieve those goals. A committee of Ministers oversees the policy.
What’s happening in Government?
Stage One of the Oceans Policy process identified a vision for our oceans after the general public, industry and iwi were asked for their views about the oceans and how we should manage them in the future. This vision was presented in September 2001. Healthy Sea: Healthy Society – Towards an Oceans Policy.
The Oceans Policy is now in Stage Two of its development. Stage Two will develop the policies, processes and tools needed to achieve the vision, with further opportunities for stakeholders to contribute. The Ministry for the Environment has the responsibility for managing Stage Two.
Stage Three of the Oceans Policy will put into practice the policies developed in the previous stages.
What’s the role of research, science and technology in the Oceans Policy?
MoRST is undertaking a stocktake of the marine research currently being carried out in New Zealand in order to understand better how Vote RS&T will contribute to the Oceans Policy.
Prior to calling for research proposals, the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) will be carrying out an environmental research review on Marine Ecosystems & Sustainable Fisheries, during the first half of 2003. This will determine the state and future directions for RS&T investment and will help to ensure that FRST decisions align with Oceans Policy development.