An update from the kūtai / mussel reef restoration project for the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui a-Toi.
April 2022
Kia ora,
In this photo Carina and Sophie check out the Ōkahu Bay mussel beds during the 3-month monitoring exercise. Visibility wasn't the greatest (check out the photo below!) but we are relieved to see the kūtai appear to be happy and healthy, even after a summer of high temperatures and cyclones.
Mauri ora!
- The Revive Our Gulf kaimahi
2022 summit wānanga
The Revive Our Gulf project held it’s summit wānanga, inspite of the challenges of 'peak Omicron'. Thanks to RAT tests we were able to bring together, in person, attendees from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Pāoa / Waiheke Marine Project, Hauraki Gulf Forum, The Noises Trust, Kelly Tarlton's Marine Wildlife Trust, Ports of Auckland, Sanford, Auckland Foundation, Foundation North/CSI and Envirostrat.
Some amazing kōreroreo (discussion) on day 1 about getting the right culture and values around the project. Day 2 we covered off what we know, and what we know we don’t know about kūtai / mussel reef regeneration. We brainstormed ideas on future projects and how ROG can best support mātauranga alongside marine science to jointly contribute to this kaupapa (project).
The Ōkahu Bay mussel beds, 3-months on
It’s been several months now since we deployed the 60 tonnes of kūtai (mussels) at Ōkahu Bay. Back in March we completed the 3-month survey. The kūtai are settling into their new home nicely, even though we’ve seen higher than usual sea temperatures and cyclones over summer.
The Seasick documentary is now out (all seven episodes) and really worth a watch. It's a thorough expose of how in a short period of time we've managed to bring Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi / The Hauraki Gulf from extraordinary abundance to teetering on collapse. But, there is hope and ways we can turn this around. Incredible film work and interviews. Please take time to watch and share.
Visit the Auckland Foundation’s ‘Gulf Guardian’ booth at the Hutchwilco NZ Boatshow 2022
Auckland Showgrounds, 12-15th May
Gulf Guardians is a way for you to become involved in the regeneration of the Hauraki Gulf. It is a sustained community giving programme made up of those who care about the Gulf and want to contribute in a high impact way to its regeneration. The programme supports the efforts of SBN Million Meters project and the Revive Our Gulf project.
Waikato Regional Council seeking input on their coastal plan - You can make a submission. Ask them to invest in shellfish restoration and do more to protect marine biodiversity. WRC
Exotic seaweeds Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia found in waters at Aotea / Gt Barrier - If you visit by boat here's what you need to know to prevent its spread. MPI
How can I help?
Spread the news, stay in touch and tell your friends about our work in restoring the mussel beds. To help us continue our work and expand our programme of work, make a donation!
