The Environmental Defence Society today welcomed the release of the State of the Auckland Region report.

"The report underscores the enormous pressure that a burgeoning population is placing on the region's natural resources," said EDS Senior Policy Analyst Raewyn Peart.

"Aucklanders are particularly passionate about their fantastic coast. It is therefore good news that the ARC's monitoring shows an overall improvement in the region's coastal water quality.

"Unfortunately that is not the whole story. The report indicates that some of the region's most precious coastal gems are under threat.

"It is particularly concerning to learn that water quality at Goat Island is deteriorating with rural land users the likely culprit. This area is one of the region's most precious coastal jewels, with hundreds of thousands of visitors attracted to the marine reserve each year, and pumping over $18 million into the local economy.

"It is also of considerable concern that the Mahurangi Harbour is still in trouble. This is despite the council pumping over $1 million into riparian protection. The council's monitoring indicates that the large amount of sediment generated from forestry and farming activities is still impacting on marine life within the inner harbour. But this is not the only problem facing the harbour. Water quality, which had up until recently been good near the harbour entrance, is now starting to deteriorate.

"It was particularly disturbing to read the report's prediction that the region's marine areas will continue to decline over the coming decades, and that the decline may not be obvious until it is too late. This is simply not good enough.

"The ARC is to be congratulated on bringing these environmental problems to the notice of the public. But we need to ensure that the new Auckland Council does not drop the ball. It will need to get up to speed and address these issues urgently if Aucklander's are to continue to enjoy their superb coast," Raewyn Peart concluded.