Marine protection in Taranaki
To protect Māui dolphin and the marine environment there is a set net ban, a Marine Protected Area, part of a Marine Mammal Sanctuary and two marine reserves in the Taranaki region.

Fishing restrictions

Commercial and recreational set net and trawl restrictions are in force in the Taranaki area, from Taranaki's northern boundary to Hāwera, to protect Māui dolphins. Set net bans extend at least 2 nautical miles offshore, and in some places 7 nautical miles.

The boundaries of the sanctuary extend alongshore from Maunganui Bluff in Northland to Taputeranga Marine Reserve on the south coast of Wellington.

The 1,404 ha Tapuae Marine Reserve is on the rugged Taranaki coast close to New Plymouth and adjoins the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area.

This Marine Protected Area comprises 749 ha of seabed, foreshore and water around the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands. It offers some great recreational opportunities.

Parininihi Marine Reserve showcases a slice of the north Taranaki coastline and the unique sponge gardens of Pariokariwa reef, boasting some of the highest species diversity recorded in New Zealand and around the world.