New Zealand’s marine environment is more than 15 times larger than its terrestrial area, and our Exclusive Economic Zone is fourth largest in the world. However, only a small percentage of this environment is currently protected.
New Zealand aims to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas to protect a full range of marine habitats and ecosystems to effectively conserve marine biodiversity. The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (2000) goal includes having 10% of the marine environment in a network of Marine Protected Areas by 2010.
Get general information about New Zealand's marine reserves and review proposals for new reserves.
Learn about what makes each of our marine reserves special and what can be done to protect these 'underwater national parks'.
Marine Mammal Sanctuaries can be established throughout New Zealand fisheries waters to create a permanent refuge for marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions.
Find out about New Zealand's marine parks and Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area.
Learn about the ways, other than marine reserves and parks, that New Zealand's marine areas, animals and plants can be protected.
Review of the Marine Reserves Act 1971
Learn how to carry out your own marine survey
See marine reserves monitoring results
Marine Reserves Act 1971 www.legislation.govt.nz
Learn about marine mammals
West Coast marine protection forum www.westmarine.org.nz
Visit the Biodiversity website for the:
Marine Protected Areas Policy and Implementation Plan
MPA Classification, Protection Standard and Implementation Guidelines
