Situated on the northern coast of the predator-free Tāwharanui Peninsula, the area has been closed to fishing since 1981 and was given marine reserve status in 2011.
The ecosystems within Tāwharanui Marine Reserve are healthier and in a more natural state than those outside its boundaries. The reserve is, however, influenced by the health of the marine environment outside its boundaries – it has no walls.
Larger-scale factors in the Hauraki Gulf such as changing climate patterns, urban development and overfishing affect the health of this marine reserve.
How diverse is the ecosystem and how is it changing?
Status: good
Trend: stable
How many rock lobster are present and how are their numbers changing?
Status: undetermined
Trend: declining
How good is the water quality and how is it changing?
Status: superior
Trend: stable
What is the impact of marine pests on the ecosystem and how is it changing?
Status: good
Trend: stable
How much is activity on surrounding land affecting the health of the ecosystem and how is it changing?
Status: good
Trend: stable
Partners
Download the summary brochure
Report card (PDF, 251K)
How marine health is assesssed
Report card rationale
Research in the marine reserve
Research and monitoring
Visit the marine reserve
Tāwharanui Marine Reserve