Marine protection deal reached with US

A deal has been reached between New Zealand and the United States on marine protections for Antarctica.

However exactly what the detail of it is isn't being confirmed.

It's been reported they've agreed to the creation of a 2.2 million square kilometre protected area which allows for some fishing in a restricted area.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will confirm the Government and the USA have agreed on a joint proposal.

He says it still has to be accepted by other nations and negotiations have to run their course.

The Greens are unhappy with fishing allowances in a proposed marine protected area for the Antarctic

MP Gareth Hughes is glad the Government has reached an agreement with the USA over marine protections for the region.

But he is concerned the deal allows for a special research zone that allows some fishing.

"I think we need the Government to provide some more detail on this because if it's for science it should be funded by Governments, fished by scientists. what we don't want is a backdoor commercial fishery under the guise of science and marine protection."

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