View video clips from the Protecting our seas DVD
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.
As a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio Convention) New Zealand is committed to protecting at least 10% of its coastal and marine territory through a network of Marine Protected Areas by 2020. We currently have a network of 34 Marine Reserves.
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
New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010
Maps of Marine Reserves and Marine Mammal Sanctuaries
See marine reserves monitoring results
Carry out your own marine coastal survey
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