Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are inviting public feedback on proposals to establish a network of marine reserves and protected areas along the south-east coast of the South Island.

The proposed network aims to protect a range of unique coastal and estuarine habitats and feeding areas for marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates, which are currently under pressure from the effects of human activities including climate change.

Public consultation on the proposed marine protected area (MPA) network was started on 17 February 2020 but was withdrawn on 9 April due to New Zealand’s alert level 4 COVID-19 response.

The closing date for submissions is now 3 August 2020.

For more information see the Fisheries New Zealand website.