Underwater at Taputeranga Marine Reserve
Image: Helen Kettles | DOC

Marine

Introduction

DOC is responsible for New Zealand's marine reserves and marine protected and threatened species.

Marine protected areas are an important tool in ensuring that our marine biodiversity is maintained in a healthy state.

Our marine protected areas are special places offering spectacular opportunities to see marine life, thriving and abundant in their natural environment. Activities such as sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving are just some of the ways you can explore what is above and below the surface.

There are three levels of marine protection: Type 1 Marine Protected Areas (marine reserves), Type 2 Marine Protected Areas and Other marine protection tools. See more information on these levels below. 

Protected marine species include all marine mammals and reptiles; sea birds (except black-backed gulls); seven species of fish; all black corals, gorgonian corals, stony corals and hydrocorals. These species face a range of threats such as climate change, sedimentation, disease, pollution and bycatch in commercial and recreational fisheries. 

    New Zealand’s marine biodiversity

    New Zealand’s marine biodiversity

    New Zealand is known for having one of the most unique marine environments on the planet. Learn more about the world we have underwater.
    Understanding marine habitats

    Understanding marine habitats

    Find out how ocean habitats are made and how they support sea life and ocean health.
    Threats facing our oceans

    Threats facing our oceans

    Human activities are threatening the health of our marine environment. Learn more about them and how you can help.
    Type 1 Marine Protected Areas: Marine reserves

    Marine reserves

    Find out about and visit a marine reserve. Be aware you cannot fish, remove or disturb any marine life in these areas.
    Marine mammals

    Marine mammals

    New Zealand marine mammals include many species of dolphins, seals and whales.
    Sea and shore birds

    Sea and shore birds

    New Zealand is considered the seabird capital of the world, with remarkable and unique seabirds.
    Marine fish and reptiles

    Marine fish and reptiles

    Find out about sharks/mangō, spotted black grouper, sea snakes, kraits and turtles.
    Recreational fishing's impact on protected species and how to help

    Report accidental capture of protected marine species

    We're asking fishers to report accidental capture of protected fish, birds, and other marine species. Find out how to make a report.
    Type 2 Marine Protected Areas

    Type 2 Marine Protected Areas

    These areas are protected under legislation and provide protection from the adverse effects of fishing.
    Other marine protection tools

    Other marine protection tools

    These are similar to Type 1 and 2 Marine Protected Areas, but don't protect sufficient biodiversity to meet the protection standard.
    Sediment and our coasts

    Sediment and our coasts

    Sediment is known to have negative effects on the marine environment. This DOC project is raising awareness about sedimentation and researching how the issue can be addressed.
    Estuaries

    Estuaries

    Estuaries are special places where rivers meet the sea. Each one is unique, ranging from small lagoons to extensive wetland harbour systems.
    The deep ocean

    The deep ocean

    Exploring below our shallow coastal waters uncovers the secrets of the deep ocean and its unusual biodiversity.
    Marine Protected Area reviews

    Marine Protected Area reviews

    DOC is periodically required to undertake reviews of our Marine Protected Areas.
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