Deep sea corals take centuries to grow - but can be destroyed in minutes.
Seamounts (undersea mountains) are home to dense corals. They are nurseries and breeding grounds for all kinds of ocean life and are critical for the wellbeing of our planet.
Yet right now, seabed trawling is destroying thousands of ancient deep sea coral each year.
New Zealand is the only country in the South Pacific that allows this destructive and outdated fishing practice. Ecosystems are in crisis and time is running out to save our ocean.
We must act now to protect coral and stop seabed trawling on seamounts and similar places.
The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries has the power to protect these critical coral reefs. If the Government knows New Zealanders care, they will act.