105Marine resources protected area

105 Marine resources protected area

(1)  The Minister may establish a marine resources protected area for any or all of the following purposes:

(a) the protection of representative samples of marine and estuarine habitats and ecosystems;

(b) the maintenance of fish species and genetic diversity;

(c) the protection of sites of ecological significance or fragility;

(d) the protection of the biological productivity of fish species through enhanced egg production and settlement within, and propagation from, the area;

(e) the protection of vulnerable fish species and their habitats;

(f) the establishment of scientific reference areas;

(g) public education in the resources, protection and use of the marine environment.

(2)  [Section 105 Subsection (2) amended by No. 64 of 2002, Sched. 1, Applied:31 Dec 2002] Before the Minister establishes a marine resources protected area for any purpose referred to in subsection (1) (a) , (c) or (g) , the Minister is to consult with the Minister responsible for the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Minister responsible for the administration of the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002 .