Marine protection in New Zealand

Introduction

Learn about the different types of Marine Protection Areas (MPA) and the other ways we protect New Zealand's precious marine ecosystem.

Marine protected areas are an important tool in ensuring that our marine biodiversity is maintained in a healthy state.

There are three levels of marine protection in New Zealand:

  1. Type 1 Marine Protected Areas: Marine reserves
    Generally known as marine reserves, these are our highest level of marine protection established under the Marine Reserves Act 1971.
  2. Type 2 Marine Protected Areas
    These marine protected areas are protected under legislation and provide protection from the negative effects of fishing.
  3. Other marine protection tools
    Similar to Type 1 and 2, but don't protect as much biodiversity as Type 1 and Type 2 areas.

DOC is responsible for the implementation of new marine reserves, and the management and monitoring of existing marine reserves.