The Cook Islands Prime Minister says Pacific countries face a major challenge to get the sensitive balance right between financial incentives and preserving fish stocks.
Ahead of the Small Islands Developing States Conference in Samoa, Henry Puna announced a 1.1 million square kilometre marine protected area, or 'Marae Moana', which is the entire exclusive economic zone of the Cook Islands.
Mr Puna says after consultation with stakeholders around the country, many traditional leaders wanted to be included in the marine park.
He says there is much more to do to get the balance right.
"We need to ensure that our economies are sustained and that we generate enough revenue for our people, but on the other, we need to keep in mind this imperative that we need to do something about managing these resources in our waters."
The Prime Minister of the Cooks Islands, Henry Puna.
