More than 8,000 kina have already been removed from Matheson Bay/Te Kohuroa north of Auckland under a special permit issued to address the problem of kina barrens.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said that Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative’s work removing the kina is a powerful example of a community protecting its local marine habitat.
“It was the first group to be approved for the new permit introduced in October last year to deal with the problem of kina barrens, and they have used it to great effect,” said Jones.
Four community-led events have so far harvested and culled more than 8,000 kina, and more events are planned.
“The work is already paying off. Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative has observed that kina are not coming back in large numbers to areas that have been cleared, and kelp is beginning to grow in previously barren spots.”
He said the restoration of kelp forests was crucial in restoring coastal environments that support biodiversity.
The group has been working with Ngāti Manuhiri, the University of Auckland Reef team, and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to design and facilitate its programme to restore the marine ecosystem at Matheson Bay/Te Kohuroa.
“This is exactly what I wanted to see when I introduced the special permit. These activities demonstrate the power local communities can have when given the right tools. It’s also a great opportunity for new generations to take part in community projects, become interested in their local environment, and develop new skills.”
Jones also congratulated the Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative and all the volunteers who have come together to have such a positive impact on the marine environment they care about.
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