Webinar - Tōtaranui Kelp Restoration Project

Webinar - Tōtaranui Kelp Restoration Project

Port Marlborough is working with the University of Auckland, Te Ātiawa o te waka a Maui and the coastal science team from Marlborough District Council to research ways to restore the Rimurimu (Kelp) forests of Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound.

Rimurimu forests are missing from over half of the reef area in Tōtaranui-Queen Charlotte Sound. Much of these reef areas are now dominated by kina barrens, a tohu or indicator of an ecosystem that is out of balance. Results from the research work show that there is great potential for restoring the underwater forests of Tōtaranui, and once the forests return, there is also an increase in biodiversity.

Join us for a public webinar on Thursday, 6th March at 1 PM to hear from the lead researcher, Dr. Nick Shears, who will present on the topic of kina barrens—areas with high numbers of kina and low species diversity—and the effect of reducing kina densities in these areas to restore kelp forests and encourage other associated species to return to the ecosystem.