Disappointment over last minute changes to wide-ranging marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill passed its third reading yesterday, increasing the protected area of the gulf by 20 times, from 0.3 to six percent.

However, late amendments will allow commercial ring net operators to fish in two areas deemed high protection zones.

Hauraki Gulf Forum Co-Chair Nicola Rata-MacDonald says it was a bitter pill to swallow.

She says allowing ring net fishing into high protection areas, undermines the integrity of the bill.