The Hauraki Gulf Forum, the statutory body tasked with progressing integrated management of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, today recommended two significant goals for the important and much-loved marine park.

Consistent with the Forum’s strategic issues, the Forum voted to recommend two aspirational long-term goals for the 12,000 km2 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park:

• That at least 20 per cent of the waters be protected
• That restoration efforts establish 1000 km2 of shellfish-beds and reefs.

“Bold action is required to stem continued ecological decline below the waterline” - Forum Chairperson John Meeuwsen.

“At present only a tiny percentage, 0.3 per cent, of the Marine Park is covered by ‘no-take’ marine reserves and we need to dramatically lift our collective ambition.”

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