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.
Find out about and visit New Zealand's marine reserves.
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.
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
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