Three new reserves announced today

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton says three new marine reserves he announced today will ultimately improve stocks for commercial and recreational fishers.

The new reserves are in Whangarei Harbour, at Volken Rocks, off White Island, and at Paraninihi in north Taranaki. Mr Anderton said anyone thinking about the long-term sustainability of the fisheries would welcome the extra reserves.

The fishing industry had nothing to fear from them as reserves created areas where fish flourished, helping to increase nearby numbers. New Zealand still had a long way to go in protecting fish stocks, but was well ahead of many other countries, he said.

However, Max Hetherington from the Recreational Fishing Council says reserves are not supposed to be a fisheries management tool. He says recreational fishers are increasingly being forced out of safe fishing spots by marine reserves.

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