Editing Banks Peninsula (section)

=== Marine Reserves ===
A large Marine Mammal Sanctuary, mainly restricting [[set net fishing|set-net fishing]], surrounds much of the peninsula.  This has the principal aim of the conservation of [[Hector's dolphin]], the smallest of all [[dolphin]] species. Eco-tourism based around the playful dolphins has now become a significant industry in Akaroa.

The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary was expanded in 2020, with restrictions introduced on seismic surveying and seabed mining. The sanctuary stretches from the [[Jed River]] south to the [[Waitaki River]], and extends 20 nautical miles out to sea, covering an area of about 14,310 km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/marine/other-marine-protection/banks-peninsula/ |website=Department of Conservation |access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>

The relatively small [[Pohatu Marine Reserve|Pōhatu Marine Reserve]] centres on Pōhatu / Flea Bay on the south-east side of the peninsula and the larger [[Akaroa Marine Reserve]] lies at the entrance to the [[Akaroa Harbour]]. A taiäpure (local fishing co-management tool) is in place for 90 percent of Akaroa Harbour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crean |first=Mike |date=20 July 2005 |title=Harbour to get Taiapure, Reserve |url=https://www.option4.co.nz/Marine_Protection/akaacrean705.htm |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=option4 |publisher=[[The Press]] |place=[[Christchurch]], N.Z.}}</ref> The history and outcomes of the this taiāpure overlap with the two reserves.