New Zealand's rich and complex marine environment extends from sub-tropical to sub-antarctic and provides homes to over 15,000 known species - many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Find out about marine reserves, marine parks, marine mammal sanctuaries and other marine environments that DOC has responsibility for.
Learn the various ways New Zealand's coastline is managed.
DOC is actively engaged in addressing the impacts of commercial fishing on protected species and the marine environment. Find out more.
Review information regarding the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.
Learn about what makes each of our marine reserves special and what can be done to protect these 'underwater national parks'.
New Zealand marine mammals include many species of dolphins, seals and whales.
Corals are invertebrate animals belonging to the phylum Cnidaria (from the Greek word 'Cnidos' meaning stinging nettle). There are five main classes of Cnidaria.
Marine mammals
Report marine mammal sightings