This dataset delineates the 50 Nautical Mile Protected Zone within the Cook Islands Marae Moana Marine Protected Area, established under the Marae Moana Act 2017 (No. 10). Marae Moana, meaning 'Sacred Ocean' in Cook Islands M?ori, encompasses the entire Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately 1.9 million square kilometres. The 50 nautical mile zone represents a core protection area where specific fishing and resource extraction activities are regulated to preserve marine biodiversity, protect traditional fishing grounds, and support sustainable ocean management in accordance with Cook Islands cultural values and international conservation commitments.
