A proposal has been raised that the Sounds should become a recreational fishing park. See:
A synopsis of the Marlborough Sounds portion is:
Synopsis of initial press release Marine Reserve
In January 2016 the Ministry of the Environment issued a consultation document concerning the recreational fishing park. This is at:
http://mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Marine/mpa-consultation-doc.pdf
An information note was sent to members concerning the document:
Fishing park – PUA info for members and a survey or members was undertaken using Survey Monkey. The results of this are that the membership agrees that Port Underwood should be included in the recreational fishing marine park and that the Association is to contact the Minister, the Ministry and our local MP making requests for information. The results of this will be published in due course.
Top of the South IWI oppose the creation of a recreational fishing park:
top-of-the-south-iwi-unanimously