The government has decided to ban shark finning and has tightened the timetable in response to 45,300 submissions on the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.

Due to concerns about the future viability of the critically endangered Māui dolphin population, the Minister of Conservation has asked the Department of Conservation to consult on a proposal to vary the existing West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Consultation closed: 11 October 2013.

The Department of Conservation seeks submissions on the proposed names of five marine reserves to be established on the West Coast of the South Island. Submissions closed: 27 June 2013.