Like much of the world’s oceans, New Zealand’s marine environment is under pressure – from unsustainable fishing, pollution, mineral and petroleum exploration, and climate change. The threats are increasing, but government action to protect our seas has stalled.
We’ve got a lot to lose. But if we act now, we can protect our marine wildlife.
WWF scientists believe that setting aside at least 30% of our oceans in marine reserves is a safe level of protection. And research commissioned by WWF shows the vast majority of New Zealanders agree - on average, New Zealanders think protecting about a third of our oceans in marine reserves is about right.
Our oceans are part of New Zealanders’ identity and way of life. We need to set aside a proportion of each marine habitat in connected marine reserves - from our rocky shores, our beaches and harbours, to our deep seas - to ensure that New Zealanders can continue to enjoy healthy, thriving oceans.
