Almost 40 people have breached the exclusion zone around the Rena wreck since the start of the year.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council reports 39 boats have breached the two nautical mile exclusion zone around the wreck at Astrolabe Reef since January 1.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's maritime operations manager Reuben Fraser says there have been an increased number of exclusion zone breaches by both privately owned and commercially operated vessels.

'We urge people to remember that unless they have the express permission of the harbourmaster, then they can't enter the restricted area and they may be fined for breaching that.

'In consultation with the relevant parties we are constantly reviewing the exclusion zone and will keep the public informed if we do decide to make changes. At the moment the safety risks outweigh any other issues and we need to ensure we have measures in place to try and keep an already variable environment as safe as possible.”

The tug Maui 1 is currently patrolling the exclusion zone and another Resolve Salvage and Fire vessel will also be assisting enforcement of the exclusion zone on days when higher vessel traffic is anticipated.

Automatic Identification System Technology is used by the harbourmaster to remotely monitor any ships breaching the exclusion zone.

Resolve Salvage and Fire is currently working to remove more than 1000 tonnes of debris from around the wreck, while continuing operations to reduce the bow to 1 metre below the lowest astronomical tide.

It is anticipated that the bow operation work will be completed within the next two to three months, dependant on weather conditions.

A full public process and consent application will need to take place before any decisions can be made about the future of the wreck reports the council.