Science Centres: Fisheries

Oyster boat

NIWA is working with the Bluff Oyster Management Company (BOMC), the Ministry of Fisheries and a broad range of community stakeholders to enhance the iconic Bluff oyster fishery.

NIWA has provided scientific support for a recently-drafted Fisheries Plan for Bluff oysters, one of three proof-of-concept Fisheries Plans developed by the Ministry of Fisheries and stakeholders.

Our input has been encapsulated on an interactive CD, which includes information about oyster and bonamia population dynamics, the Foveaux Strait environment and ecosystems, and effects of oyster dredging on seabed habitats.

As part of the Plan, NIWA will assist BOMC with developing new dredge designs, and test them to further improve their efficiency and minimise impacts.

With BOMC, we’ve made great progress in trialling the return of oyster shell to enhance seabed habitat, which we’re monitoring with purpose-built benthic still and video camera systems.