Development along New Zealand's coastlines often results in poor outcomes for indigenous marine habitats and biodiversity. We need to find a balance between providing for and protecting human interests along the coast and preserving and giving resilience to the marine environment. History and experience show that with many developments in the marine environment (e.g., reclamations for marinas, ports , transport infrastructure) there is a net loss of biodiversity, and cumulative impacts on coastal habitats and ecosystem function.
