31 Jul 2008

Wellington south coast declared marine reserve

10:13 pm on 31 July 2008

Wellington's south coast has been declared a marine reserve.

The 854-hectare area stretches from Owhiro Bay to Houghton Bay, and extends 2.3km out to sea.

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick says notice of the reserve was published on Thursday and will come into force within a month.

Ms Chadwick says 551 species were discovered in the area last year, and the reserve will be an attraction for divers and snorkellers.

She says the new reserve will balance the protection of marine life, with local fishing interests in Island Bay.