Marine Protected Areas

New Zealand’s marine environment is a priceless biological treasure that deserves special protection.
Yet current protection is not enough.  Less than 1% is fully protected in marine reserves compared to nearly 20% in equivalent protection on land.

There are some areas of our oceans - such as the Kermadecs - which are so significant for wildlife we need to protect them immediately.

To safeguard our oceans and our marine wildlife, WWF advocates for the New Zealand government to create a national network of marine reserves. Setting aside a proportion of each marine habitat in marine reserves - from our rocky shores, our beaches and harbours, to our deep seas - will help to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy healthy, thriving oceans.
A school of Blue maomao fish (Scorpis violaceus) swim above a bed of kelp, in a marine sanctuary ... / ©: Brian J. Skerry / National Geographic Stock / WWF
A school of Blue maomao fish (Scorpis violaceus) swim above a bed of kelp, in a marine sanctuary where fishing is restricted off the Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand.
© Brian J. Skerry / National Geographic Stock / WWF

Future Seas Scenario Planning and the Establishment of a Marine Reserve Network

Future Seas is a new report from WWF that sheds new light on the value of marine reserves.
WWF-New Zealand initiated the Future Seas scenario planning project to look beyond the current real or perceived costs and benefits of marine reserves and explore what this protection tool could offer New Zealand in the dynamic future ahead.

As part of the project, we asked various marine environment experts - from the fishing industry to Maori representatives to eco-tour operators to environmentalists - to participate in workshops to discuss two future scenarios. Under both scenarios it became evident that marine reserves operate like an insurance investment for our marine environment and allow for greater economic and social resiliency.  
View the report and executive summary
 

New Zealanders' views on our oceans and marine reserves - 2005

WWF first commissioned Colmar Brunton to research New Zealanders' views on marine reserves in 2005.  Download the report - New Zealanders' views on threats and protection in the marine environment - for the main findings of the national survey.