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)  [*\[Section 105 Subsection (2) amended by No. 64 of 2002, Sched. 1, Applied:31 Dec 2002\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-12-31/act-2002-064#JS1@Ja13@GC1@EN) Before the Minister establishes a marine resources protected area for any purpose referred to in [subsection (1)](#GS105@Gs1@EN) [(a)](#GS105@Gs1@Hpa@EN) , [(c)](#GS105@Gs1@Hpc@EN) or [(g)](#GS105@Gs1@Hpg@EN) , the Minister is to consult with the Minister responsible for the administration of the [Nature Conservation Act 2002](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-063) and the Minister responsible for the administration of the [National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2002-062) .