A report has found that 158 unique species and sensitive marine habitats exist off the Taranaki coast in an area bordering a proposed seabed mining operation.
Photo: 123RF
Taranaki Regional Council commissioned the Cawthron Institute to investigate the region's coastal marine area as it prepares a new management plan.
It found as well as unique species, the area included valuable kelp and sponge gardens, and was more significant than previously thought.
Trans Tasman Resources has re-applied to the Environmental Protection Authority for resource consents to mine millions of tonnes of iron sands off the Taranaki coast.
The company's initial application was rejected in 2014 because it did not consider the wider effect on the environment.