Fresh insights Show Kiwis Want Ocean Health Prioritised, for Future Generations

The ocean is important to us, we’re concerned about ocean health and losing marine life, and most of us want greater ocean protection.

These are clear messages coming from fresh, independent research representing the voice of all adult New Zealanders on how we value and perceive the ocean.

The insights are within the Live Ocean Barometer ‘23 report which summarises the findings of a survey conducted by Horizon Research this year.

• • 95% of New Zealanders say the ocean is important to them, with over half (51%) saying it is part of their identity as a New Zealander.
  • 70% of Kiwis are concerned about the health of New Zealand’s ocean. Even more (77%) are concerned about loss of biodiversity (the range of life in the ocean).
  • New Zealanders showed an excellent understanding of the role the ocean plays in addressing climate change… 77% say the ocean should be protected and managed for climate response.
  • New Zealanders support greater protection… 77% say marine protection should be expanded. A majority of recreational fishers are on board too with 67% of them saying marine protection should be expanded in New Zealand.

Live Ocean Foundation Chief Executive, Sally Paterson says this is the most comprehensive survey of New Zealanders’ values and perceptions towards the health of the ocean in many years.

“New Zealanders’ attitudes towards the natural environment are well surveyed, yet our views on the ocean, which accounts for a massive 93% of our footprint on the planet, were much less understood. Until now,” says Paterson.

“At Live Ocean we hear every day from New Zealanders about their deep concern for the health of the ocean, love for it and frustration at lack of action. The results of this independent, nationally representative survey demonstrate this clearly.”

Survey respondents were also asked to say in their own words what they think and hope the ocean will be like for future generations. Many gave compelling and articulate answers and some are included in the Live Ocean Barometer ‘23 report.

Their key concerns if we continue on our current path are ocean pollution and that sea life will be affected. Hopes, should we act now as a nation to effectively protect and manage New Zealand’s ocean space, are for abundant marine life and that the ocean be a continued source of food.

Live Ocean co-founder Blair Tuke says, “Like many Kiwis, my personal connection to the ocean runs deep, even before I started sailing I was always in or on the water.”

“The ocean is changing and fast and while there is an increasing awareness that we need to be so much better at looking after it, we can see from this survey that many share the concern we’re not moving fast enough.”

The survey also signalled a clear message from New Zealanders about who they think should take the lead with 84% of survey respondents saying the government should be leading action to protect and manage our ocean.

In New Zealand, we currently protect less than 1% of the ocean space we have guardianship of, 90% of our seabirds are threatened or at risk of extinction and multiple stressors of pollution, over-fishing and sedimentation have seen profound effects on the marine environment.

“Decision-makers can’t be in any doubt about how important the ocean is to New Zealanders, and views on ocean protection – they now have evidence and a mandate to act now for a healthy ocean and a healthy future.”  

Peter Burling, Live Ocean Co-Founder