{"id":76435,"date":"2026-04-01T21:29:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:29:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/?p=76435"},"modified":"2026-04-01T21:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:31:32","slug":"flotilla-sends-clear-warning-to-government-ban-bottom-trawling-in-the-hauraki-gulf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/press-release\/flotilla-sends-clear-warning-to-government-ban-bottom-trawling-in-the-hauraki-gulf\/","title":{"rendered":"Flotilla to send clear warning to Government: ban bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A flotilla of boats will take to the waters between Auckland and Waiheke Island next week as New Zealanders call for an immediate ban on destructive bottom trawling in T\u012bkapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf.<\/p>\n\n

Register here<\/a> for the Saturday April 11 event. <\/p>\n\n

The Show Your Heart for the Hauraki flotilla and beach activities will see participants sail from \u014ckahu Bay to Oneroa Beach, Waiheke Island, joining more people on the sand for a day of celebration, protest and community action in defence of the Gulf.<\/p>\n\n

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Organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird, alongside iwi and community groups, the event comes in support of a clear and ongoing public mandate for stronger protection of the Hauraki Gulf, which remains under pressure from bottom trawling within the Marine Park.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cBottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and destroys ecosystems that are vital to a healthy ocean and thriving Hauraki Gulf,\u201d says Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cNew Zealanders have been clear they want the Hauraki Gulf protected, yet governments continue to allow this destructive practice in one of our most precious marine areas. It\u2019s time politicians listen and ban bottom trawling in the Marine Park\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Participants on the water will gather around a 150 square metre floating banner calling for an end to bottom trawling, creating a powerful visual message aimed directly at politicians.<\/p>\n\n

Onshore, Oneroa Beach will host family\u2011friendly beach activities featuring live music, a shared BBQ, speakers, face painting and activities celebrating the life and mauri of T\u012bkapa Moana.<\/p>\n\n

Forest & Bird says the event reflects growing frustration at the continued decline of the Gulf.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe Hauraki Gulf sustains communities, culture and wildlife. It provides kai, recreation, and habitat for some of Aotearoa\u2019s most treasured species \u2013 from snapper and trevally to Bryde\u2019s whales and seabirds,\u201d says Bianca Ranson, national conservation advocate for Forest & Bird.<\/p>\n\n

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Boats and kayaks surround a large floating ban bottom trawling banner in the Hauraki Gulf during a 2023 protest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

\u201cBut its ecosystem is collapsing. Overfishing, sedimentation, pollution and climate impacts, combined with bottom trawling, are pushing species towards local extinction. We need strong action now to restore the Gulf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Bottom trawling is widely recognised as one of the most damaging fishing methods, dragging heavy gear across the seabed and destroying vital habitats that are slow to recover. <\/p>\n\n

Campaigners say there is no future for sustainable fisheries without ending destructive fishing practices and transitioning to methods that can sustain our ocean\u2019s life, long term.<\/p>\n\n

Many thousands of people have already backed public petitions calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cThe choice for politicians is simple,\u201d says Parada.<\/em> \u201cThey can side with a small number of commercial interests, or they can listen to the vast majority of New Zealanders who want a living, thriving Gulf \u2013 not kina barrens and empty seas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

The public is encouraged to take part on the water, on the beach, or online by signing and sharing petitions and registering for the event.<\/p>\n\n

EVENT DETAILS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Register here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Saturday 11 April 2026
Wet weather date:<\/strong> Saturday 18 April 2026<\/p>\n\n

Flotilla<\/strong><\/p>\n\n