Bill expands marine zone

Marine reserves will be able to be established within the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone under new legislation introduced to Parliament.

They can now only be declared within New Zealand's 12 nautical mile territorial waters.

Conservation Minister Sandra Lee said the Marine Reserves Bill updated 30-year-old law.



The Government had also decided that only the Conservation Minister's consent would be required although the Ministers of Fisheries, Transport, Defence, Energy and Foreign Affairs would have to be consulted.

Fishing is not allowed in a marine reserve but the bill says other activities such as approved scientific research is allowed.





But Seafood Industry Council chairman Dave Sharp said the bill, as announced, would attract "widespread attention and concern" from the seafood industry.

He expected that many recreational or customary fishers would have similar concerns.

- NZPA

nzherald.co.nz/marine