New Zealand is ready to extend its total mainland marine conservation domain by 50 per cent with the planned establishment of 5 new marine reserves.The five reserves, formally approved by NZ Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith, cover 17,500 hectares and have spectacular, unique coastlines and marine habitats. They are all at the South Island’s West Coast and can add to the already significantly protected region, which incorporates three national parks and a global Heritage Area. The minister’s approval signifies that the method of building the reserves goes into the overall stages of obtaining approval from two other government departments. Mainland marine reserves Establishment of the brand new reserves was a massive breakthrough for marine conservation, Dr Smith said, because it increased the variety of mainland marine reserves from 30 to...
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