National has announced a policy to create a new marine reserve off Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf and expand the reserve at Goat Island.
The new reserve was part of a series of fishing policies the party planned to implement if re-elected.
National's plans also included involving recreational fishers in fishing reforms, banning commercial fishing in Hauraki Gulf’s High Protection Areas, and reviewing designated trawl corridors.
It would increase protection in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone, aiming to increase protected areas from 32% to 50% by 2040.
It pledged $20 million in investment through a "Fish Tech Innovation Fund".
National also said it would keep the ban on taking shellfish and marine species from rockpools, increase the number of honorary fisheries officers to 200, and increase penalties for exceeding catch limits.
“The New Zealand seafood industry’s economic output is around $6.4 billion, our recreational fishers generate around $1.7 billion of economic activity each year, and the annual worth of the boating and marine industry is around $3 billion," National’s oceans and fisheries spokesperson Todd McClay said.
“All fishers, commercial and recreational, depend on the health of our waters, so that is an important part of our plan."
Conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka said it was about custodianship.
“We know the health of our ocean matters to every New Zealander. It is part of who we are, provides us food, recreation, well-being, and a place for families and communities to connect."
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