A report which describes New Zealand marine areas as second equal with Alaska as the healthiest in the world has been welcomed by Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley.

Recently published in the Science journal, the report - an international scientific research paper titled 'Rebuilding Global Fisheries' - examined 31 marine areas, mainly in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and New Zealand.

Mr. Heatley specified that they were proud of the result, adding, "We cannot afford to be rest on our laurels. We must move forward with our world-class fisheries management practices. Initiatives like the long-term Fisheries 2030 programme will ensure this happens as all fisheries stakeholders work towards the same goals for this precious resource."

The hoki fishery, delivering sustainable stocks, was cited as an example of good management by Mr. Heatley.

One of the authors of the research paper was Ministry of Fisheries' chief scientist Pamela Mace.