Fiordland's marine reserves

There are ten marine reserves in Fiordland region of New Zealand's South Island. They protect a wide variety of species and habitats.[1] The original two reserves were established at the request of New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen in 1993.[2] An additional eight reserves were established on the recommendation of the Guardians of Fiordland in 2005.[3]

Hawea (Clio Rocks) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 411 hectares. It is known for its deep water habitat and vertical-wall reefs.

Kahukura (Gold Arm) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 464 hectares in the southern (Gold) arm of Charles Sound. It is known for being a very sheltered area inhabited by black and read coral.

Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 433 hectares. It is known for its estuary and shallow water environments.

Moana Uta (Wet Jacket Arm) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 2,007 hectares. It covers a wide variety of habitats around Entry Island.

Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve

Established in 1993 and covers 690 hectares. It is known for its muddy-bottomed, deep water habitats and is one of the most popular sites in Fiordland for recreational diving.

Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 613 hectares. It is known for its population of bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and yellow glass sponges.

Taumoana (Five Fingers Peninsula) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 1,466 hectares. It is formed from part of the Tamatea / Dusky Sound. known for containing several unique habitats and harboring a population of paua, a type of abalone.

Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Marine Reserve

Established in 1993 and covers 93 hectares. It is known for its intertidal habitat.

Te Hapua (Sutherland Sound) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 449 hectares. It is one of the least visited of the ten Fiordland marine reserves.

Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005 and covers 3,672 hectares, covering Preservation Inlet. It is known for its population of strawberry holothurians, a type of sea cucumber.

References
  1. http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/marine-reserves-a-z/fiordlands-marine-reserves/
  2. Warne, Kennedy. "Blue Haven: New Zealand marine reserves are a model for the world." National Geographic Magazine: April 2007. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/04/new-zealand-coast/warne-text
  3. http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/marine-reserves-a-z/fiordlands-marine-reserves/facts/fiordland-marine-reserves-a-z/hawea-clio-rocks/
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