A Bill to nearly triple the Hauraki Gulf's marine protections has passed its third reading

It introduces 19 new protected areas, increasing high-protection areas from 0.3 percent of the Gulf - to six percent.

This includes 12 new high protection areas stretching 800 square kilometres, five seafloor protected zones - and extends two marine reserves.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the Gulf's economic value is estimated at 100 billion dollars.

He says a new team of DOC Marine Rangers now ensure compliance on the water, and are monitoring the effectiveness of all changes.