Marine reserves of New Zealand

The Marine Reserves Act was passed by the Parliament of New Zealand in 1971. In 2000, the Department of Conservation started a review of the Act, resulting in a draft Marine Reserves Bill that was introduced into Parliament in June 2002, but has not yet been voted on.^[2]

The first marine reserve to be created was the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve.^[3] The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve was established next, although with only a partial ban on fishing; a full ban was implemented in 1998. The first two marine reserves in Fiordland were established at the request of New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen in 1993.^[4] An additional eight reserves were established in Fiordland on the recommendation of the Guardians of Fiordland in 2005.^[5] The Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve was established in 2006 with the active support of the students and faculty of nearby Kamo High School.^[4][6]

The abundance of fish within the reserves creates spillover, or larval export, that boosts catches in neighbouring areas.^[4] In general, the reserves tend to attract a lot of recreational divers and fishermen. The divers are attracted to the abundant fish, coral, etc. inside the reserves. The fishermen are attracted to the areas just outside the reserves – where spillover creates an abundance of large game fish not found in other areas.

The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, in particular, receives more than 200,000 visitors per year. It is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba-divers, due to the abundance and diversity of fish now living within the reserve after over 30 years of protection.^[1] Species that can be found in the reserve include Australasian snapper and New Zealand sea urchin (kina).^[4]

• Environment of New Zealand
• Marine park

• Marine reserves & other protected areas at the New Zealand Department of Conservation
• Effects of a 30-year fishing ban – NIWA
• Marine reserves at Forest and Bird