New Zealand's rich and complex marine environment extends from sub-tropical to sub-antarctic and provides homes to over 15,000 known species - many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Find out about marine reserves, marine parks, marine mammal sanctuaries and other marine environments that DOC has responsibility for.
Learn the various ways New Zealand's coastline is managed.
DOC is actively engaged in addressing the impacts of commercial fishing on protected species and the marine environment. Find out more.
Learn about aquaculture reform legislation and its implementation.
Review information regarding the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.
Corals are invertebrate animals belonging to the phylum Cnidaria (from the Greek word 'Cnidos' meaning stinging nettle). There are five main classes of Cnidaria.
New Zealand marine mammals include many species of dolphins, seals and whales.
About 66 types of sharks are found in New Zealand waters ranging in size from the tiny pygmy shark which grows up to 27 cm long to the 12-metre long whale shark.
Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2008
Learn how to carry out your own marine survey
Marine mammals
Report marine mammal sightings
