Aotearoa New Zealand is surrounded by a marine territory which is 15 times larger than its land. Currently, the law and policy which governs our expansive marine environment is split across multiple pieces of legislation within different regulatory institutions. 

The Policy and legislation for EBM project is developing a research base for policy makers, Māori and stakeholders to navigate the legislative, policy and practice constraints surrounding EBM and any changes required to enable it. 

Recently published research from the project has highlighted critical and timely opportunities in policy areas across marine conservation, coastal planning and environmental effects assessment, fisheries regulation, and Māori rights and interests. With significant changes to law and policy already underway in these areas, there is an opportunity for ecosystem-based management (EBM) principles to be adopted as a holistic and inclusive way to manage competing uses, and demands on, marine environments in a way that maintains or improves ecosystem health. 

Find out more: https://www.sustainableseaschallenge.co.nz/our-research/policy-and-legislation-for-ebm/