Five new marine reserves will stretch down the South Island's West Coast, reports Radio New Zealand.
The Government approved the new marine reserves last week, which will cover 17,500 hectares and are situated north of Fiordland.
The reserves passed with overwhelming support; of the 159 submissions, only four were against. Ngai Tahu and commercial and recreational fishers supported the creation of the reserves.
Marine reserves are no-take areas where all life below the high tide mark is protected and must not be disturbed.
The poroposed reserves are:
