For my first entry from New Zealand I’m again going to concentrate on a local Marine Reserve.
I’ve been in NZ for 3 weeks, and for the past 2 I’ve been based in the small town of Leigh, an hour north of Auckland. Whilst conducting my research, I’m also based at the local dive centre completing my PADI Rescue and Divemaster Courses (more to follow soon!).
Goat Island Marine Reserve is the local Reserve situated off the coastal town of Leigh, next to Auckland University’s Leigh Marine Lab. Goat Island was so named in the sailing ship era, when sailors often left goats on small offshore islands in case of shipwreck.
Goat Island
New Zealand has a long history of marine reserves. Back in the 1960s fishers and scientists were already observing dramatically reduced fish populations in some species. It occurred to scientists that if they were to observe the marine environment then studies would be greatly enhanced without the confounding factor of fishing pressure. Professor Val Chapman and Dr Bill Ballantine were proponents for the creation of a marine reserve in the coastal area surrounding the marine lab.
Snapper and a spotty
Red moki
Support for the marine reserve grew, backed by the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society and the New Zealand Underwater Association, legislation was drafted and the Marine Reserves Act became law in 1971. Under the Act, areas for scientific research were allowed to be set aside and no fishing, collecting or disturbance of marine life would be allowed.
Snapper in the sunlight
After wider consultation, the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (Goat Island) was approved as a marine reserve in 1975 and officially opened in 1977. A series of habitat maps covering the whole reserve was drawn up by scientists at the laboratory during 75-79. The baseline data from these maps have proved invaluable as some changes may otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Stingrays and eagle rays are often found in the reserve
It took a number of years before snapper and crayfish were large enough to eat the larger sea urchins in the reserve. Over the next 10 years, populations of these sea urchins (which feed on the kelp and can leave barren areas where no kelp remains) decreased, allowing the kelp forests to recover, when encouraged the return of species such as silver drummer to the reserve.
Goatfish feeding in the sand
Research at the reserve is ongoing and the reserve’s fully protected status is important for allowing scientists to disentangle the effects of climate and natural changes on the marine ecosystem. Some species are returning to the reserve after an absence of 30 years highlighting the complex interactions that occur during the recovery of an area.
Red moki in the kelp
Further reserves have been established under the Marine Reserves Act, however, a review of the legislation is now ongoing in the hope that it can be updated to reflect the need for full biodiversity protection rather than a focus purely based on scientific research. A strategic look at a network of MPAs in New Zealand is needed.
A leatherjacket, New Zealand’s only triggerfish
The reserve is now attracting approximately 300 000 to 400 000 visitors every year, demonstrating the powerful sway marine reserves have in public consciousness as areas of natural beauty and areas to be enjoyed.
Sea urchin shell
Goatfish come in a range of sizes from these little ones to larger and more brightly coloured individuals
For more information on marine reserves around New Zealand:
http://doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/
A google search all brings up a lot of information!
Checking out dive conditions!
No diving but a great view
