The Government has delivered the biggest boost to marine protection in nearly 50 years, with Parliament passing the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, says Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
“A healthy Hauraki Gulf is essential to our region, and this Bill ensures that it is getting the care it deserves.”
“Across the Hauraki Gulf there will be 19 new protected areas, covering more than 800 square kilometres. This means healthier waters, more marine life, and a Hauraki Gulf we can hand on to the next generation.”
The Bill will create two new marine reserves, five seafloor protection areas, and 12 high protection areas, nearly tripling the total area under protection.
“This is the largest network of marine protected areas in New Zealand’s history. It is real win for the Hauraki Gulf, it is a real win for people who love the Hauraki Gulf, and it is a real win for our environment.”
The Bill is the result of over a decade of work with iwi, environmental groups, fishers, tourism operators and local communities.
