WELLINGTON, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A report on New Zealand's marine environment released on Thursday painted a sobering picture.
The report, titled "Our marine environment 2022," jointly produced by the Ministry for the Environment and the statistics department Stats NZ, showed aspects of the marine environment are at risk due to climate change, pollution, human activity and other pressures.
The third in the series, the report examined the most pressing issues in New Zealand's oceans, seas, coastlines, and estuaries.
"Climate change is continuing to drive ocean acidification, raise sea levels, and increase sea surface temperatures," said Natasha Lewis, deputy secretary, Joint Evidence, Data and Insights Group at the Ministry for the Environment.
Coastal and estuarine water quality improved in some places and for some measures but was worsening in others. Human activities like land use intensification, urban development and agriculture can contribute to poor water quality, Lewis said, adding when the marine environment is under stress, it can affect ecosystems.
"Climate change is causing sea-level rise, which impacts coastal communities, sites of cultural and ecological significance, and marine species. Sedimentation and pollution affect water quality, which can threaten biodiversity and public health," she said.
The report underscores the need for the government's moves to cut plastic waste, improve water quality in rivers and lakes, reduce sedimentation, and address climate change, Environment Minister David Parker said in a statement.
Craig Stevens, professor at the University of Auckland, said given that the oceans are storing over 90 percent of the trapped heat associated with the changing climate system, the evolving marine environment locally and globally is a critical contributor to well-being and livelihoods in New Zealand for future generations. ■