From South-east Marine Protection Forum consultation document:

This site is an area where there are a large range of habitats close to each other, and so it provides an opportunity to protect several habitats in one marine protected area, including rare examples of volcanic rock reefs, estuaries, kelp forests, exposed reef shelves, sea caves, subtidal concretions (Moeraki boulders), and seaweed gardens.

186. There are two options to consider for this proposal: A coastal marine reserve that extends from the coast to the outer edge of the bladder kelp Macrocystis forest; and a marine reserve that extends from the coast to further offshore. The landward boundaries of the two options are identical.

187. Both options extend approximately 8km along the coast from Pleasant River estuary in the south to Stony Creek estuary in the north, incorporating both estuaries.

188. Option 1 extends from mean high water springs to a straight line that ranges between 1.5 km to 2 km (0.8 nm – 1.1 nm) offshore. It covers approximately 16.5 km2 and includes 0.2% of the Forum region.

189. Option 2 extends from mean high water springs to 10 km (5.4 nm) offshore. It covers approximately 51.3 km2 and includes 0.6% of the Forum region. 

190. In both options fishing vessels would be allowed to enter the area, so long as they had no gear used for the purpose of fishing in the water at the time. This is regardless as to whether they are carrying fish or not (and in accordance with existing fisheries regulations). No discharge to the MPA would be allowed, this includes (but not limited to) grey water, sewage and fish waste.

191. There are wāhi tapu located on the coast and the recovery of koiwi and other cultural artifacts by Kāi Tahu shall not be impacted by this proposal.