The Marine Environment
Classification (MEC), a GIS-based environmental classification of the
marine environment of the New Zealand region, is an ecosystem-based
spatial framework designed for marine management purposes.
Developed by NIWA with support from the Ministry for the Environment
(MfE), Department of Conservation and Ministry of Fisheries, and with
contributions from several other stakeholders, the MEC provides a
spatial framework for inventories of marine resources, environmental
effects assessments, policy development and design of protected area
networks. See here for a longer description: https://www.niwa.co.nz/coasts-and-oceans/our-services/marine-environment-classification
