How do New Zealanders value the Ocean?
That is exactly what the Live Ocean Foundation wanted to find out. They surveyed 1,189 New Zealanders over 18 years old back in February. This is just some of what they learned:
⛱️ In the past three years, 78% had visited a beach, 15% a marine reserve, and 6% had been sailing.
🌊 95% said that the ocean is important to them. 51% said that the ocean is part of their identity as a New Zealander.
😟 70% are concerned with the health of the ocean. 79% place plastic pollution as one of the most significant threats to the ocean. 68% listed overfishing and 63% land-based pollution.
👵Interestingly, older (55+) respondents were more likely to believe there were significant threats than young respondents. Older respondents were also more likely to think protecting the ocean is very important.
📉 77% were concerned about the loss of marine life in New Zealand's waters. 67% of recreational fishers say marine protection should be expanded.
🌏 71% recognised that the ocean plays a significant/very significant role in mitigating climate change impacts. 77% said New Zealand should protect and manage the ocean as part of its response to the climate crisis, and 82% said New Zealand should be actively involved in global efforts to manage the ocean.