# National Proposes Marine Reserves and Ring-Net Fishing Ban

> National Party plans new marine reserves and ring-net fishing ban in Hauraki Gulf.
- Title: National Proposes Marine Reserves and Ring-Net Fishing Ban
- Summary: National Party plans new marine reserves and ring-net fishing ban in Hauraki Gulf. National Party will ban ring-net fishing in Hauraki Gulf's high protection…
- Keywords: national party, hauraki gulf, ring-net fishing, marine reserves, waiheke island, goat island, marlin, bottom trawling, fish tech innovation fund, chris luxon, toddy mcclay, new zealand first
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1826646/national-proposes-new-marine-reserves-complete-ban-on-ring-net-fishing-in-hauraki-gulf
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-10T02:41:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national party, hauraki gulf, ring-net fishing, marine reserves, waiheke island, goat island, marlin, bottom trawling, fish tech innovation fund, chris luxon, toddy mcclay, new zealand first
## National Party's Oceans Policy
National Party proposes new marine reserves and ring-net fishing ban in Hauraki Gulf.
## New Marine Reserves
National plans new marine reserve off Waiheke Island and expanded Goat Island reserve.
## Ring-Net Fishing Ban
Ban on ring-net fishing in Hauraki Gulf's high protection areas effective after election.
## Bottom Trawling Review
National reviews bottom trawling on seamounts to increase protections to 50 percent of NZ's exclusive economic zone by 2040.
## Fish Tech Innovation Fund
A $20 million fund to reduce bottom trawling impact through fishing gear improvements.
## Recreational Fishing
National rules out recreational fishing licence, calling it a Kiwi right.
## Policy Implementation Timeline
Ban on ring-net fishing will come into force very quickly after election.
## Key takeaway

National Party will ban ring-net fishing in Hauraki Gulf's high protection areas and establish new marine reserves if re-elected.