Massive marine sanctuary planned for New Zealand subtropics

One of the last great stretches of relatively untouched ocean

November 2011: A massive marine sanctuary is being proposed in New Zealand's only subtropical area, which is known for its magnificent concentration of seabirds and marine animals.

PROTECTION:Denham Bay on Raoul Island, one of the Kermadec islands

Independent nature conservation organisation Forest & Bird today welcomed the Labour Party's plan. Forest & Bird Kermadec advocate Karen Baird said: ‘It is one of Earth's last great stretches of relatively untouched ocean.

'It has a wonderful mix of tropical and temperate animals, both above water and below, and includes migratory whales, sharks, tuna and swordfish. Up to 15 million seabirds live in the region, including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters.

One of the largest marine areas in the world
‘New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world - the fourth-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We have a responsibility to manage this area wisely for future generations.

'The Kermadecs covers 620,000 sq km, or 15 per cent of our EEZ. By protecting it, we would be making a clear statement to the world about the value we put on our marine biodiversity.'

A marine sanctuary would range from the shallow waters around the islands that are already protected to the extreme depths of the Kermadec Trench. The trench is the second-deepest place on the planet. It would include a significant part of the volcanically active Kermadec Arc with its 50 submarine volcanoes and unique forms of life.