Less than 1% of New Zealand seas are protected and we would like to establish more marine protected areas along the coastlines of New Zealand. The goal is to minimise the impacts that humans have on biodiversity loss. Marine protected areas are a way to keep track of how well species are coping within a monitored area. It will provide a space for species to thrive and populate without the interruptions of human interactions, e.g by fishing, boating, and general disturbance in which can cause unnecessary habitat modification.

Marine protected areas can include marine reserves, marine parks and marine rahui's. These can be in any location that is considered vulnerable areas for species and their habitats.  The Department of Conservation and other organisations such as Forest and Bird and the Sustainable Ocean Society continue to work towards creating a safer and managed environment for species to live in. This petition will contribute to these efforts and help create change.