The marine environment around the Auckland Islands is unusual as it is both a marine mammal sanctuary and a marine reserve.
The Auckland Islands/Motu Maha Marine Reserve covers about 484 000 hectares in the Southern Ocean, providing breeding grounds for Southern right whales, NZ sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.
The Catlins Coast marine mammal sanctuary in Southland is approximately 65,967 hectares and covers 161 km of coastline.
The Te Waewae Bay marine mammal sanctuary in Southland is approximately 35,906 hectares and covers 112.93 km of coastline.
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve provides a safe haven for a wealth of underwater life and extends the protection of Stewart Island's/Rakiura's largely pristine environment from land to sea.
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