What are the marine protection tools available to Aotea and why would we bother? KATE WATERHOUSE takes stock as the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park turns 20.

In 27 February the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is 20. It is no cause for celebration. The state of biodiversity, fish stocks, reefs, seabed and water quality has in most cases, never been worse. Climatic changes are set to make life more difficult for thousands of birds, marine mammals and fish species that make their home in Tikapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi.