A Deep Concern for the Future of Marine Life

Jamie Newell, commodore of the Wanganui-Manawatu Sea Fishing Club, is sounding the alarm over a proposed seabed mining project that he never thought would reach this stage. With the Supreme Court rejecting the project and a court-ordered environmental hearing in place, Newell expressed his disbelief at the current situation.

As a diver, fisherman, and business owner in Whanganui, Newell has witnessed firsthand the rich marine life and diverse ecosystems along the South Taranaki coast. He fears that Trans Tasman Resources (TTR), an Australian mining company, could devastate one of New Zealand’s most important fisheries by extracting up to 50 million tonnes of seabed material annually. The company plans to recover an estimated 5 million tonnes of vanadium-rich titanomagnetite concentrate and then dump the remaining 45 million tonnes of sediment back into the ocean.

Newell, who runs the family business Marine Services Whanganui, is particularly concerned about the impact of this dumping on the low-lying reefs in the South Taranaki Bight. He estimates that 45 million tonnes of dredge tailings would be dumped annually for 20 years, potentially smothering these delicate ecosystems.

"That’s extremely concerning," Newell said. "I’m extremely worried for what that sediment would do to our marine environment and how dramatically it could change recreational fishing off there."

He emphasized the importance of the area’s reef life, which includes species such as blue cod, terakihi, and hāpuka. "We have some very diverse ecosystems off this coastline – some of the most scenic you could ever hope to see. The reef life is some of the best in the world," he said.

Newell has been mapping the reefs using advanced marine electronics, revealing the intricate details of the underwater landscape. He is particularly worried about the effects of silt pollution on these reefs, which are already under threat from the proposed mining activities.

"I’ve dived in these waters for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this," Newell said. "The idea of dumping 45 million tonnes of sediment back into the ocean is just mind-blowing."

Trans Tasman Resources has not responded to requests for comment, but the company has previously stated that its operations would be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. However, Newell and other local stakeholders remain skeptical.

"We need to protect our marine environment," Newell said. "This is not just about fishing – it’s about preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our coastal waters."

As the debate over the proposed seabed mining project continues, the voices of local communities and environmental advocates are growing louder. The future of New Zealand’s fisheries and marine ecosystems hangs in the balance.