Kaikoura Marine Protections Unveiled

Kaikoura Marine Protections Unveiled

18 Mar 2014

Major new protections around the Kaikoura coast have been unveiled by the Government today.The proposals include a new marine reserve, whale and fur seal sanctuary and five customary fishing areas as well as new regulations governing recreational fishing in the area.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith said the measures would benefit Kaikōura's whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, rock lobster, shellfish and finfish and help to sustain the area's $134 million a year tourism industry.

They will also limit seismic surveying by the oil and gas industry.Smith described Kaikoura as a "unique biodiversity hotspot with a range of world class marine values to be protected".Smith said those areas were currently under pressure such as from overfishing and human contact and needed to be protected.

Nice little place they have down there by the water. Good place to go for a quick and fun outing. Interesting seeing all the various types of marine life they have in one building.

Archie

The Island Bay Marine Education Centre's Bait House Aquarium is an interactive marine experience based in Island Bay on Wellington's south coast.There are lots of different sea creatures on display including a couple of octupuses, sea horses, lobsters to name a few. You can also gently touch and handle starfish, sea cucumbers, sea anemones, crabs and other sea life found in the local rock pools outside.There's far more inside than you would expect. The volunteers and expert staff are very friendly and helpful. It is really reasonably priced and we were all entertained for ages. Really good fun and educational too. Definitely worth checking out with the family.

Haydn