Abstract:
This thesis develops an understanding of the social-ecological processes associated with the phasing out of mobile benthic fishing methods in the Hauraki Gulf. The methods I have used to analyse different management scenarios include a mix of social and ecological analysis. The ecological analysis involved modelling different management scenarios using a spatially explicit seafloor disturbance recovery model that highlighted potential differences in seafloor recovery rates. The social analysis included analysing the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial plan to understand the values of the Hauraki Gulf community, and how people could be affected by management outcomes. The model results indicate slow rates of recovery for soft-sediment seafloor habitats that can take decades to centuries depending on the current status of the seafloor's ecology and the different phase-out strategies implemented. Particularly important was the indication that seafloor recovery can be enhanced by management strategies that implement marine protected are as associated with the mobile benthic fishing ban. The social analysis indicated that the Hauraki Gulf community were supportive in protecting seafloor habitats and increasing the size and number of marine protected areas in the Gulf. My research highlights the importance of using social-ecological approaches to understand how different management outcomes influence the recovery of seafloor habitats as well as affect the Hauraki Gulf community. Importantly, it highlights the need to continue the collaborative processes initiated by Sea Change to ensure that societal expectations are managed, seafloor recovery is documented and benefits are realised by all stakeholders.
