An update from the kūtai / mussel reef restoration project for the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui a-Toi.
October 2022
Tēnā koe,
In the above photo scientists from the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland prepare a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) before using it to inspect the recently deployed kūtai / mussel beds south of Te Kawau Tūmārō-o-Toi / Kawau Island. More info on these beds below.
Mauri ora!
2021/2022 Annual Impact Report now available
Our annual impact report is now available for download. The report covers our progress 12-months to June 2022. A massive thank you to all our partners and supporters.
You have only 48 hours left to make a submission to DOC in support of the marine protections proposed as part of central Government’s Revitalising the Gulf strategy. What’s on the table is a package of 19 proposed protected areas. This is a once in a generation opportunity to begin addressing the biodiversity crisis in the Hauraki Gulf. It takes 2 minutes to make a submission via our website. Submissions must be in by 5pm this Friday (28th Oct)
NOTE: This campaign is endorsed by the MRRT and backed up by science from the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland. It is not endorsed by TNC.
How Aotearoa NZ compares with Marine Protections
NZ Geo produced this graphic showing how Aotearoa NZ compares with the rest of the world when it comes to current and future planned marine protections. We once led, with the world’s first marine reserves! Now we’re alongside China and Russia with <1% protected. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) calls for 30% of the oceans to be protected by 2030 - the so-called 30by30 pledge. NZ is not a signatory. The Hauraki Gulf Forum has a goal of 30% marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
New 150 tonne kūtai beds south of Te Kawau Tūmārō-o-Toi
The Te Au o Morunga project with Ngāti Manuhiri kicked-off on the Matariki public holiday. This will be the largest kūtai bed deployed to date in the Hauraki Gulf at around 150 tonnes. That’s about 5 million mussels!
Foul weather turned the 6-month survey into a 7-month survey - but close enough. We’re beginning to see some difference in survival between the kūtai/mussels deposited on shell (S1..S3) vs, those on bare sediment (M1..M3).
We welcome Okuma / Composite Developments Ltd to the Auckland Foundation Gulf Guardians and the Revive Our Gulf supporter whānau. You’ll see their “every mussel makes a difference” campaign roll out across digital billboards in Auckland City over summer.
Other news
First seaweed seedlings in Hauraki Gulf for new industry - A $5m three year pilot project that aims to establish economically viable ocean farming with an environmental purpose by propagating the key native kelp species known as Ecklonia radiata. NZ Herald.
Invasive seaweed too widespread for any known treatment, experts say - Two new pest species, Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia, were discovered mid 2021 at Aotea Great Barrier Island and Ahuahu Great Mercury Island. Stuff
Decade-long study shows Shinnecock Bay successfully restored using novel approach - A really uplifting shellfish (clams) restoration story from New York state. A 1,700 percent increase in the landings and densities of hard clams in the estuary, along with the expansion of seagrass meadows and the end of harmful brown tides. Stony Brook University NY
How you can 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!
