A year ago Dave Rastovich, along side environmental group KASM, protest paddled 350 kilometers from Taranaki to Piha to raise awareness of seabed mining and the threat it poses to our critically endangered Maui dolphins. (interview here)

Submissions are now open for the public to have their say on Trans Tasman Resources proposal for the seabed mining of titanomagnetite, which occurs in the volcanic black iron sands along the west coast of the North Island. The China based company is currently seeking a marine consent from the Environmental Protection Authority to mine up to 50 million tonnes of seabed material a year. This is believed to be the biggest iron sand mining project ever undertaken anywhere in the world making it highly experimental with little known about its environmental impacts.

There are many other reasons to be concerned about this proposal. The seafloor supports a wide variety of organisms which in turn support a very healthy fishery. Mining for the iron sands will involve a process of suction dredging which is akin to open-cast mining on land. TTR proposes to use a 350 tonne crawler to chew up the seabed down to 10 meters. All the living organisms in this area are likely to be killed in this process, resulting in a dead zone. There is also the issue of the potential for coastal erosion if sand is removed too close to shore, putting at risk some of our most loved, and commercially valuable surf-breaks, as well as a host of spectacular swimming beaches.

PHOTO: CRAIG PARRY

The economic returns are questionable with minimal employment opportunities and low royalty rates. Profits will be directly exported overseas, while the risk of potential ecological collapse remains with New Zealand, putting our clean, green image and tourism at stake.  

As surfers, with our close affinity with the ocean, it is only natural that we should take on a roll as guardians of what we love. We encourage you to make a submission against Trans Tasman Resources proposal, and stand up for our pristine marine environment. Submissions close on the 15th of December.
For more information on seabed mining and to learn how to make a submission please visit www.kasm.org.nz

Words by Mischa Davis