Mataitai Application Committee chairman Tangi Russell said 41 submissions had been made on the proposal, 15 of which were opposed.
He said some of the opposing submissions were made by people who did not completely understand the meaning of a mataitai.
"Some people were concerned the mataitai would allow one select group of people more rights, but indeed, it only maintains the harbour as it is at the moment.
"It doesn't stop the general public from getting a feed of fish or shellfish. It only stops commercial fishing operations."
Those in support of the proposal included Port Otago and the Department of Conservation.
The mataitai reserve would cover all fisheries waters of Otago Harbour with the exception of six specified areas used for commercial fishing activities and other commercial purposes.
Mataitai Application Committee recreational fisheries representative Ted Young said the committee wanted to "get the harbour back to a pristine state like it was 150 years ago" for the benefit of all Dunedin residents.
"We are three-quarters of the way there already.
"But there are some practices that could damage the harbour. We want to prevent over-commercialised fishing if it damages the harbour. The harbour is susceptible to damage."
The proposal has come under fire from some commercial fishing industries - particularly from the applicant of a commercial cockle harvesting operation in the harbour.
However, Te Runanga o Otakou Inc runaka manager Hoani Langsbury stood by the proposal and said it was necessary.
"Cockles are bottom of the food chain. They feed everything that tourists come to see above the water line. To harvest the cockles would be like a farmer without grass.
"Dunedin is the eco-centre of New Zealand. We want to keep it that way."
Mr Langsbury said the ratepayers of Dunedin had paid for cleaning up the harbour and should be the first to enjoy access to it.
"The applicants feel that the only means to maintain the status quo is by pre-emptively stopping commercial use of the harbour through the placement of a mataitai."
Mr Russell said the application committee planned to create an Otago Harbour Mataitai Committee with seven representatives from commercial, recreational and educational institutions, as well as representatives from three runanga and an independent chairman.
"The committee could be extended to include other stakeholders. Eventually, management of the mataitai will be run by a legally binding constitution and an independent structure.
"It will be an organisation that will run in perpetuity to meet the needs of the community, to guarantee the representation of the Dunedin ratepayers is maintained and to guarantee the safety of Otago Harbour for future generations."
• The Ministry of Fisheries will hold a public meeting on February 18 at the University of Otago College of Education auditorium at 7pm to give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed mataitai.
