Williams Andrew: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to MembersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWilliams Andrew: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members[Sitting date: 23 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14184. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.ANDREW WILLIAMS (NZ First) to theMinister of Conservation: Has he received any reports on the environmental impact of seismic surveying in the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone?Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister of Conservation): My responsibilities as Minister of Conservation relate to the protection of marine mammals. I have received reports on improving the management of the environmental impacts of seismic surveys. The new law I introduced to Parliament as Minister for the Environment in August 2011 enables such effects to be regulated whereas prior to this when many seismic surveys were done there were no rules. This has enabled the 2012 code of conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations to be introduced. I have received reports on updating and improving it. It is just another example of the improvements this Government is making to environmental law.Andrew Williams: What environmental safeguards have been put in place in relation to seismic surveying in the exclusive economic zone and what monitoring structure will be in place to provide comprehensive data and reporting on the environmental impacts of seismic surveying?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: I would be happy to provide the member the 2012 code of conduct specifically about seismic surveying which also includes monitoring requirements. I would point out that this code of conduct for seismic surveying has been introduced only as a consequence of the law changes made by this Government and opposed by members opposite and that many seismic surveys were done by the previous Government with the support of New Zealand First with no standards at all.Andrew Williams: What information does he have on any adverse effects on marine wildlife as a result of seismic surveying?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The key issue for marine mammals in respect of seismic surveying is the effects of the acoustic disturbance. That is where the Government has done a huge amount of work. That is why that code of conduct was introduced last year. That is why it is being updated this year and that is why this Government has such a proud record of improved environmental regulation.Andrew Williams: Given the Minister’s answer and given New Zealand’s strong international stance on protecting whales dolphins and other marine animals will a precautionary approach be taken to protect marine life if adverse effects of seismic surveying are evident and proven?Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The2012 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations including whales is world’s best practice around managing these risks. It has become regulated only as a consequence of this Government’s laws. I do have confidence that it enables us to be able to utilise our resources in the ocean environment while making sure we look after those precious whales and dolphins.