The government is proposing to ban commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf and the Marlborough Sounds.

A consultation document launched today on the new Marine Protected Areas Act proposes to replace the Marine Reserves Act 1971.

'We are proposing a new system of marine protection that will include marine reserves, species-specific sanctuaries, seabed reserves, and recreational fishing parks,” says Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith.

'This more sophisticated approach with four different types of marine protection is similar to the graduated approach we take to reserves on land that vary from strict nature reserves to those for a specific or recreational purpose.

'We want to improve community and iwi involvement in marine protection and develop a comprehensive network of areas that better protects marine life and which enhances New Zealanders' enjoyment of our marine environment.”

New recreational fishing parks in the Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds enhance the recreational experience in those areas, says Nick.

Current estimated commercial catch from the proposed Hauraki Park is 870 tonnes per year, and 139 tonne per year in the proposed Marlborough Sounds Park.

'Removing commercial competition in these popular inshore fishing areas will enhance the recreational fishing experience.”

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says the Government's consultation document on a new Marine Protected Areas Act makes for better, more flexible management of Hauraki Gulf marine reserves.

'What we're proposing works for both recreational fishers and commercial fishers,” says Scott.

'The recreational fishing park proposal here in the Coromandel will prohibit commercial fishing that directly competes with recreational fishing in the Hauraki Gulf.

'The new system of marine protection we are proposing aims to strike the right balance between protection and economic growth.”

The document includes a proposal for a recreational fishing park in the Hauraki Gulf.

Scott recognises the importance of fishing quotas as a source of income for some local businesses and families.

'While we anticipate the vast majority of commercial fishers will be able to shift their efforts beyond the parks, compensation will be payable to quota owners who face undue costs of fishing as a result, such as additional fuel and time at sea.

'These details will be worked through carefully and in good faith with commercial fishers,” says Scott.

Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the management of the recreational fishing park, and can do so on the Ministry for Environment website.

Submissions close on March 11.