Image: Stewart Baird | Creative Commons
A photo taken from a shore covered in red seaweed and smooth boulders. An island is just visible across the water under an orange sky from sunset.
Marine ecosystems research programme
DOC is working with others to carry out research that will contribute to protection of our marine environment.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique marine environment faces serious challenges from human activities and climate change.

Our programme works with councils, universities, and other agencies to:

  • map marine species, habitats, and ecosystems
  • understand how environmental changes affect marine life
  • create tools to help design conservation measures, like marine protected areas.