The Treaty Negotiations Minister's defending speaking with the seafood industry - before announcing changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act

The Government last month proposed amending the Act -- meaning Maori would again have to prove continuous, exclusive use since 1840.

One-News reports Paul Goldsmith told industry representatives in May the 100 percent of coastline subject to customary marine title, would likely reduce to five percent.

Goldsmith says it was just a figure he came up with in conversation.

He says we can't know exactly what the percentage will be because that comes down to court judgments.