WWF-New Zealand is joining forces with Forest and Bird and the Pew Environment Group to advocate greater protection for the amazing geological and biodiversity, and the cultural and historical values.
Kermadec region - enhancing protection
Denham Bay, Raoul Island
WWF-New Zealand is part of the Kermadecs initiative, which advocates for extending protection across the whole Kermadec marine region, to preserve this vast underwater wilderness.
Kermadec Islands map
Protecting our sub-tropical paradise
WWF-New Zealand is joining forces with Forest and Bird and the Pew Environment Group to advocate greater protection for the amazing geological and biodiversity, and the cultural and historical values.
Black-winged petrel
Black-winged petrel
Why is the area so special?
Dwarf lionfish
The Kermadec Islands and Trench are important from a global perspective because of their amazing biodiversity & geology as well as a special place in New Zealand’s cultural heritage and history.
Global importance
The Kermadec Islands, Arc and Trench have been identified as globally important marine areas. They are home to an incredible marine wildlife such as whales, sharks, turtles, and large ocean fish such as tuna, sunfish and marlin. Huge submarine volcanoes rise from the ocean depths; the largest of these break the surface to form the islands which are a haven for threatened species.
Unique wildlife and geology
Unique animals live around the hydrothermal vents. Instead of depending on energy from the sun, specialised creatures feed off bacteria that live off the hydrogen sulphide that spews from the vents, known as ‘black smokers’.
New Zealand in the Pacific
The area is unique within the New Zealand EEZ, reaching north up towards the Pacific Islands. The species, ecological communities and habitats of the Kermadec Arc area tie us most closely with our Pacific neighbours.
The Kermadec Islands played an important historic role as ‘stepping stones’ linking Polynesian travellers to Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Under international maritime laws NZ was fortunate to be allocated the fifth largest EEZ and this is currently being expanded through the mapping of the continental shelf. We have a global obligation to protect some of this inheritance on behalf of future generations.
Global importance
The Kermadec Islands, Arc and Trench have been identified as globally important marine areas. They are home to an incredible marine wildlife such as whales, sharks, turtles, and large ocean fish such as tuna, sunfish and marlin. Huge submarine volcanoes rise from the ocean depths; the largest of these break the surface to form the islands which are a haven for threatened species.
Unique wildlife and geology
Unique animals live around the hydrothermal vents. Instead of depending on energy from the sun, specialised creatures feed off bacteria that live off the hydrogen sulphide that spews from the vents, known as ‘black smokers’.
New Zealand in the Pacific
The area is unique within the New Zealand EEZ, reaching north up towards the Pacific Islands. The species, ecological communities and habitats of the Kermadec Arc area tie us most closely with our Pacific neighbours.
The Kermadec Islands played an important historic role as ‘stepping stones’ linking Polynesian travellers to Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Under international maritime laws NZ was fortunate to be allocated the fifth largest EEZ and this is currently being expanded through the mapping of the continental shelf. We have a global obligation to protect some of this inheritance on behalf of future generations.
"Black smoker"
"Black smoker"
Deepwater angler fish
Deepwater angler fish
The benefits of increased protection
Blue Maomao
It is important to enhance the protection of the biodiversity, geodiversity and heritage values of the area for future generations. It will also bring positive benefits to New Zealand’s image overseas, creating tourism and marketing opportunities.
Increasing this protection would allow New Zealand to regain its position as a world leader in marine conservation. It would provide a haven in the Pacific which would allow some of the ocean’s most exploited and threatened species to not only recover but flourish.
For more information visit Pew's Global Ocean Legacy website
Or visit Forest & Bird
Or visit the Kermadecs website
Increasing this protection would allow New Zealand to regain its position as a world leader in marine conservation. It would provide a haven in the Pacific which would allow some of the ocean’s most exploited and threatened species to not only recover but flourish.
For more information visit Pew's Global Ocean Legacy website
Or visit Forest & Bird
Or visit the Kermadecs website