There are hopes from our Conservation Minister past successes in protecting the ocean can be replicated.

The Government has proposed expanding marine protections to the Goat Island and Cathedral Cove Marine Reserves.

The proposed legislation would also create 19 new marine protection areas.

It will also eliminate bottom trawling in large parts of the Hauraki Gulf.

Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime told Kerre Woodham marine protection areas ban recreational and commercial fishing, but allow for Māori customary practices - and says they hope to follow up on good work that's already been done.

Prime says says customary practices are developed to match biosecurity goals.

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