Fish relishing safety of reserve

Fish on the south coast of Wellington are so comfortable in their marine reserve bubble that they are known to take a nibble at human invaders.

Divers frequenting the Taputeranga Marine Reserve have noticed fish and other sea life becoming bigger and more inquisitive since its formation in 2008.

The 854-hectare reserve, 6 kilometres from the city, includes Owhiro, Island and Houghton bays. It is illegal to take, collect, fish or hunt anything from it.

Free-diver and photographer Rob Marshall said the protected and less contaminated area had seen an increase in life that had depleted in other coast regions. "It's great to see the fish beginning to congregate where they're not netted, fished or speared," he said.

Fish such as blue cod were so confident that Mr Marshall had been bitten on the finger once or twice while taking photos.

Their approachable behaviour was perfect for photographers and hobby divers, he said.

New Zealand Sea Adventures owner Tony Howell said the reserve was an invaluable spot to show his dive customers how to observe and care for the ocean.

Marine life outside the reserve would probably improve and the reserve would become a better dive attraction than any shipwreck, he said. And it was great to see locals were devoted crime spotters.

"I think it's wonderful to have all those unpaid guardians living along the foreshore."

The Conservation Department is working with Victoria University to monitor the marine life inside the reserve.

- © Fairfax NZ News