A wave of new regulations to manage the waste pollution within New Zealand’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone came into effect last week. The regulations cover discharges of pollutants and waste from offshore installations such as oil rigs and ships within the 6 million square kilometres of ocean amongst the Continental Shelf.
The Environment Minster Nick Smith has said that the new regulations provide clear guidance for the Government regarding the final stage of implementing environmental law covering the ocean.
The Environmental Protection Authority will administer discharges, dumping of waste and burial at sea, while oil spill planning and response will continue to be administered by Maritime New Zealand. This regulation is also part of ensuring that New Zealand maintains its world class fisheries management system. In order to ensure that the growing network of marine reserves are protected and sustained well into the future.
