Recreational fishing and harvesting of seafood may be banned at Mimiwhangata Marine Park on Northland's east coast.
A discussion document from the Department of Conservation (DoC), supported by kaumatua of Te Uri O Hikihiki hapu, proposes that the marine park become a fully protected marine reserve.
Mimiwhangata, about 48km northeast of Whangarei,
has enjoyed limited protection as a marine park since 1984.
However studies funded by DOC during the past three years have shown the area's marine life , including snapper, has not recovered.
Recreational fisherman Warren Hay described the document as a "load of rubbish".
Snapper moved from area to area feeding, mainly on kina, he said.
"It depends on the time of the year you go to the area."
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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