The new Motiti Protection Area comes into effect on 11 August 2021, creating three protection areas around Motiti Island where the taking of all plants and animals (including fish and shellfish) will be prohibited. To protect the reef systems, anchoring on these reefs will also be prohibited. This is to protect indigenous biodiversity and acknowledge the significant marine, landscape and cultural values in the area. Those three areas comprise of Ōtaiti (Astrolabe Reef); including Te Papa (Brewis Shoal), Te Porotiti, and O karapu Reef, Motuhaku Island (Schooner Rocks) and Motunau Island (Plate Island).