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Public consultation opens today on proposals to ban bottom trawling from up to 89 percent of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking says the Government has listened to Aucklanders who say they want greater protection for Tikapa Moana.
Rather than allowing bottom-trawling and Danish seining anywhere excepted in protected areas which cover about a quarter of the gulf, it will be limited to specific trawl corridors.
Also today, parliament will debate the first reading of the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.
Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime says it will triple the area in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park under total protection, from just over 6 per cent to about 18 per cent. While also recognising kaitiakitanga and cultural practices of tangata whenua.
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