Question NW3073 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Given that a cast number of marine protected areas (MPAs) are vital fishing areas for indigenous and traditional fishing communities, what (a0 procedures are followed in order to consult with communities as part of the process of declaring and area an MPA and (b) criteria are used to determine if an area should be protected?