Bringing the harbour back to life

Bringing the harbour back to life

A team sets up a trial on the sandflats at Whangarei Harbour. (Photos: Vonda Cummings, NIWA)

Declining numbers of shellfish is recognised as a problem in many estuaries and coastal areas around New Zealand, and local communities who traditionally gather kai moana are becoming concerned for the future of their customary food source.

In Whangarei Harbour, the Kaitiaki Roopu (caretaker group) has been working with NIWA over the last few years in an innovative project to restore shellfish beds. The focus of the project has been tuangi (cockles), which have been transplanted at different sites and densities on the harbour’s sandflats, with regular monitoring to record survival and growth.

Local people have been involved throughout – an essential ingredient for success according to NIWA’s Vonda Cummings. "We want to combine traditional and scientific knowledge, and to educate people about shellfish issues. Local people have been learning about the long-term nature of this type of work, and have realistic expectations of outcomes. We have a group who are committed to the project, and who will eventually take on full ownership of it."

Research in the restoration of shellfish beds is in its infancy in New Zealand, and the hope is that the knowledge gained from this project will help other community groups interested in restoration work around the country.