Otago's first marine reserve in the works

5:38 pm on 22 October 2016

The public is being asked to share its views on increasing marine protection along the South Island's southeast coast.

There are currently no marine protected areas on that part of the coast.

There are currently no marine protected areas on the south-east coast of the South Island, although the East Coast Taiapure local fishery at Karitane controls the take of shellfish and fish as part of an effort to secure a long term sustainable fishery.

The East Coast Taiapure (local fishery) at Karitane controls the take of shellfish and fish in an effort to secure a long-term sustainable fishery. Photo: RNZ / Alison Ballance

The South-East Marine Protection Forum has released a consultation document on 20 coastal sites that are being considered for protection.

The government set up the forum to find consensus on the Otago coast's first marine reserve, extending from Timaru in South Canterbury in the north down to the Catlins in Southland.

Chairperson Maree Baker-Galloway said the forum has been consulting groups in the community, including scientists, recreational fishers, rūnanga and the tourism industry.

She said it was important for anyone with an interest in the southeastern coastline to make a submission to the forum before 20 December.