Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve Newsletter No 25, Nov 2015

Taputeranga

How to contact Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve: Chair: Colin Ryder Secretary: Ann McCrone Contact us at enquiries@taputeranga.org.nz www.taputeranga.org.nz See us on Facebook too!

Contents:

Editorial – Colin Ryder

Compliance Support at Taputeranga

Tribute to Bill Ballantine

Bits and Pieces

Blue Moki

Newsletter issue edited by Murray Hosking

Have you bought your dive slate

yet? Available from local dive shops.

A5 size and waterproof!

Top: Blue Moki, Photo Dr Malcolm Francis; Left: Jen Howe, PPP Manager addresses arrows and distances; Right: Blue moki stencil from PPP on the front of a Coast Watch shirt. Photo: P. Hosking

Editorial This is my first editorial as Chair of the Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve. Murray Hosking has stood down after several years of patient leadership and hard work adding value to both the Trust and the Marine Reserve. Fortunately for us all, he is staying on as a Trustee. I have agreed to assume the Chair on a caretaker basis for a year in the hope and expectation that somebody with both the right mix of personal attributes and commitment to the mission puts their hand up. It’s quite common to get one without the other but can be difficult sometimes to find somebody with both. The current Trustees know well enough that I have a different approach and style to Murray. He is a gentleman (which I’m not), patient and even-tempered (ask my wife about those). Like Murray, though, I am committed to getting the best out of the very good people we have as Trustees and building on what we have achieved so far (which is quite impressive when you look back over the past 7 years). We are very lucky to have attracted three very good people as Trustees, recently. Mike Loughran has already got his teeth into the compliance issue and has initiated the preparation of a foreign language pamphlet so we can communicate with some nationalities who may be using the Marine Reserve without understanding its status and restrictions. Nicci Wood is a strong advocate for marine conservation and protection in Wellington and the Friends have had some very positive dealings with her, in her role with the City Council. I haven’t met Anne Wietheger yet but she is very highly spoken of by people whose judgement I trust. New trustees will change the dynamics of the Board. My experience is this generally a good thing with new enthusiasm, vigour and ideas. Watch this space! While this has been happening, the other Trustees have been energetically working on some other projects and activities. The Painted Pavements project has just been completed (a lot earlier than I expected). Jenn Howe did a fantastic job leading and managing this project with help from Anne McCrone and the omnipresent Murray and Patsy Hosking. We have recently made a $500 donation to the Department of Conservation for radio advertising over the forthcoming summer (presuming we have one) and are in active discussion with the Department about compliance and monitoring (see Compliance story). Well that’s us done and dusted for 2015. I hope you all have a great Christmas break and can take advantage of the amazing Taputeranga Marine Reserve. Colin Ryder, Chair

Rock pinnacles at west Houghton Bay. Photo T. Mariner

Summer snorkelling at the Trail. Photo MH

Compliance Support at Taputeranga – Coast Watch and PPP Although these two significant projects had different origins, they have become closely linked and the symbols from PPP have inspired the red lobster logo for Coast Watch. Taputeranga Coast Watch – Late in 2014, the Friends developed a Taputeranga Coast Watch group to assist DOC in compliance work. The concept stemmed from a need to mobilise the community better to report incidents at the reserve that are considered to be poaching, call the DOC HOTline and use DOC reporting forms as a guide as to the sort of information that would be useful in the

event that prosecutions are considered. The main elements of the Coast Watch are Watchers – people motivated to be especially vigilant and active in reporting incidents of alleged poaching, Boundary Walkers – people prepared to don Coast Watch shirts and logos and walk the coastal edge, engaging with marine reserve users and encouraging good practices in care for shoreline and rock pool life forms, and act as a ‘walking billboard’ reminder of the reserves nature and extent. Finally, a Callout Crew – a few people who, when called upon by DOC, may attend reported incidents and take more specific information relevant to prosecutions.

This is a good time to acknowledge that some of our Watchers are not active walkers, being of mature age or otherwise not all able to be actively mobile. Nevertheless, they are often in good positions to enjoy the spectacular views from their window seats or balconies and can be particularly motivated to report any activities in the marine reserve which do not appear to be within the rules! One of our watchers, despite limited mobility, recently took it on herself, using her walker to cross the road from her house, clamber with difficulty down on to the beach and to accost a fisher who claimed to be ignorant of the marine reserve! She deserves accolades for her commitment to ensuring the reserve remains free from the ignorant (and given the signage now, arguably blind). However, the emphasis is on public safety, so that the Coast Watchers are not encouraged to approach poachers, but rather simply observe and report. It is considered that the Coast Watch had a good initial year in 2014-15, especially in the summer when use of the reserve margins and sea area is at its greatest. The increased activity of the DOC Reserve Ranger, Dave Wrightson, who gave plenty of his own time as well DOC’s to complement Coast Watch activity, was a great catalyst for watchers

The final brush marks for PPP – a lobster ‘critter pic’ opposite the Bach, Owhiro Bay. Project leader Jen Howe on the left, then Anne Wietheger, Murray and Patsy Hosking. Photo by Nicky Fitzgibbon, also one of the painters. Just maintenance painting now…..

Marine Reserve

海洋保护区

No taking of any marine life or material within the Reserve

boundaries!

在保护区内不得擅自采取任何海

洋生物或材料!

From new brochure for new settlers or tourists, thanks to Mike Loughran.

and walkers. For whatever reason, although statistics are difficult to objectively gather, poaching activity was kept at a low level, with many apparent incidents nipped in the bud. We acknowledge with thanks DOC’s ongoing support and encouragement. We are especially grateful to all of the willing volunteer Coast Watchers.

We have been able to recruit further watchers and walkers this Spring, boosting the numbers beyond last summer. Mike Loughran has joined the Friends Trust Board and has taken on local coordination of Coast Watch, being Island Bay based. Walkers are being asked to patrol at times of high shoreline usage by the public – walking when they are able rather than following a schedule, but

are also asked to patrol at times of especially low tide and calm conditions, which seem to encourage people who want to take the risk of hefty fines and prosecutions to take shellfish. PPP – The Friends have, over recent years, supported DOC in renewing many of the fence and track signs around the shore boundary of the marine reserve. These small DOC signs make it clear that the marine reserve exists and there is no fishing or taking of marine life in any form. Given the easy accessibility of the reserve to people, something to supplement the existing signage was considered. The Painted Pavement Project, as we call it, emerged from a belief that additional, novel signage was needed in order to reinforce the DOC signs letting the community know that they are alongside a marine reserve, that its marine life is to be fully protected and to give an impression of the dimensions of the reserve. Sophie Mormede and Jen Howe gave us good initial ideas in planning and execution of the project, which has been to use stencils to paint an arrow every 0.5 km along the seaward side of the footpaths bordering the reserve, from Princess Bay through 4.5+ km to the western boundary past the end of Owhiro Bay Parade. At each arrow the distance to each of the boundaries is marked,

including to the distance out to sea to the southern boundary from each point. In addition, a stencilled sea creature (a selection of 7) is placed at approx. 50 m intervals between the arrows. The whole PPP results in a distance marker for runners and walkers to mark their efforts, but more particularly, additional reminders that the marine reserve exists and is to be respected as ‘no take’. Jen Howe has undertaken the great bulk of the work to design and prepare stencils, research paints, seek WCC encroachment licencing (with Ann McCrone) and to carry out the painting helped by a crew of willing weekend and weekday painters. The result is almost 100 stencilled arrows

and ‘critter’ pictures at completion in early November. It is worth stating that those doing the work have had very fulsome support and approval from those using the footpaths bordering the South Coast at the reserve while the painting continued. Many people complimented painters on the concept as well as the ‘critter pics’, a good tribute to Jen’s designs. The Taputeranga Coast Watch and the PPP initiatives are not known to be duplicated elsewhere; the Friends would welcome enquiries or information about other effective measures to curb poaching, remind reserve users of the regulations and penalties, and ensure the fullest protection for the recovering sea life of the reserve.

Note from the outgoing Editor – Murray Hosking This is my last Newsletter issue as Editor. I will continue on the Board as a ‘backbencher’ and probably contribute to the Newsletter at times. Jen Howe and Anne Wietheger form the new Editorial team from January. Personal thanks to all contributors over the past 25 issues, especially Ann McCrone for all her gems and snippets from the world of marine science and Malcolm Francis for articles.

Bill Ballantine – Marine Reserve Champion

Dr Bill Ballantine MBE QSO, a driving force behind the creation of one of the world's first marine reserves in New Zealand passed away on Sunday 31 October 2015. He had a long career in marine conservation and was the first and longest serving Director of Leigh Marine Laboratory. Last year he released a paper reviewing 50 years of experience with marine reserves* (reviewed in Issue 24). Bill successfully promoted the establishment of "no-take" marine reserves, both in New Zealand and internationally, travelling to many countries, giving public lectures and running workshops, all

focused on the key message that no-take marine reserves are a crucial tool for protecting marine biodiversity. He became world famous for championing marine reserves, and received numerous accolades for his efforts including a Forest and Bird Protection Society Old Blue Award and the international Goldman Environmental Prize for work on marine conservation. He continued to advocate for marine conservation vigorously in his ‘retirement’ and was delighted at the recent

announcement of the fully-protected Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary. Many comments are coming in extolling Bill’s conservation efforts and leadership – all justly deserved. Hon. Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment said “Bill was the father of marine conservation in New Zealand.” In Bill’s words “I may not live to see marine reserve systems generally in place round the world …, but I am confident my children will see it happen, and that my grandchildren will merely ask why such an obviously sensible idea took so long”. * Bill’s legacy will continue to inspire marine reserve creation around New Zealand and throughout the world. *http://www.marine-reserves.org.nz/pages/papers.html

More at http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/288753/'father-of-marine-conservation'-dies

Contributed by Ann McCrone and Kathy Walls, Photo by Kennedy Warne – Bill on the foreshore, Leigh Marine

Reserve

Bits and Pieces

Marine Protected Area Bill – Rumour has it that a new MPA Bill is in the offing. How many times have we heard that in the last ten or so years? However, there appears to be some movement across the corridors of governance. There have been suggestions of a split between those seeking coverage out to the limits of the EEZ and some who would prefer it no further than the Territorial Sea, because of concerns about freedom to prospect for oil and gas. Given the recent success of the conservation arm of Government in achieving the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary which covers the entire EEZ in that northern area, we may hope that those seeking the wider limit might prevail. Some talk of a discussion paper after Christmas! Having said that, the common herd has not yet been engaged by anyone in the know. We strongly ask that the process empower the public to actively participate in decision making for this Bill. We urge also an increased stewardship of the ocean area that is effectively and equitably managed in ecologically representative and well-connected systems of MPAs. This means around 30% of the planet for no-take reserves, 50% overall protection, and 100% of the land and water managed sustainably. Like climate change action there should be no compromise here.

Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary – We, along with other NZ conservation NGOs and the

Pew Charitable Trusts applaud the government of New Zealand for its commitment,

announced on 28th September 2015, to create a 620,000-square-kilometre fully

protected marine sanctuary in the Kermadec

region. Pew Charitable Trusts, WWF-New Zealand

and Forest & Bird have been working with iwi

(Maori), scientists, artists, businesses, youth and

community leaders, the Royal New Zealand Navy

and other non-governmental organisations on this

proposal for several years. The Kermadec Ocean

Sanctuary expands a smaller marine reserve (7500

square kilometres) established in 1990 that extends 12 nautical miles from the

coastline of each of the region’s islands. The expansion will result in one of the

largest and most significant fully protected areas of ocean in the world.

Above photo: Spotted black grouper, Kermdec Islands Marine Reserve; Photo by Dr Malcolm Francis,

courtesy of MFE

You can download a map -

http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/analysis/2014/11/11/the-kermadecs-map https://www.mfe.govt.nz/marine/kermadec-ocean-sanctuary/question-answers-kermadec-ocean-sanctuary Photos – https://www.mfe.govt.nz/marine/kermadec-ocean-sanctuary/kermadec-ocean-sanctuary-photos

Ocean Protection Gains Momentum – But still lags way behind protection on land.

For story go to http://phys.org/news/2015-10-ocean-gaining-momentum-lags.html For

the full paper by Jane Lubchenco and Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, both from Oregon

State University on ‘The Science and Politics of Ocean Protection’ go to

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2015/10/14/science.aad5443

King High Tides - The term “King Tide” is a common term for the highest tides that

occur over the course of the year. These especially high tides eventuate when a new or full moon occurs at the same time as the moon is at its closest to the earth (at its perigee). The gravitational forces of the moon and also the sun influence all tides on earth. When the sun and moon are in alignment – as is the case with a new or full moon – their combined gravitational pull results in exceptionally high tides, known as Spring Tides. These Spring Tides become King Tides when the moon is

in its perigee due to the stronger gravitational force of the moon on the earth’s oceans. A more scientific term for these naturally occurring King Tides is perigean spring tides. NIWA advises that high perigean-spring tides peak 1–2 days after New or Full Moon when the moon is in its perigee, but actual dates of the highest tides vary around New Zealand. Prediction of such tides helps to prepare for events such as storms that may coincide with spring high tides. NIWA predicts two more alert times this year from 25 – 29 November and 25 – 27 December. More information at https://www.niwa.co.nz/natural-hazards/physical-hazards-affecting-coastal-margins-and-the-continental-shelf/storm-tide-red-alert-days-2014 These times will also be associated with especially low tides (ref story on Coast Watch in this Issue).

Climate Change - You will know that we made some strong exhortations to the Government on the matter of emissions control to bring climate change better under management. Those submissions had no effect and the Government seems determined to ignore the risks from the loss of ice at Antarctica, ocean acidification and the real alterations already happening in weather and climate. They have proposed weak targets for NZ emissions control of greenhouse gases. While we may appreciate the difficulties of dealing to methane emission associated with dairy farming there is no excuse for not taking a stronger approach as befits our country’s reputation for conservation. Pioneers in National Parks establishment, wildlife protection and recovery, marine mammal conservation, great strides in the elimination of vermin and in clearing islands of pests - the list is a long one. Let us just hope that our officials at the upcoming climate change meeting in Paris can be persuaded to bring back a more tangible result and stronger targets and actions.

New species at Taputeranga? – Photographer and naturalist Tony Wills spotted the little creature in the photo while taking pictures of anemones in a rock pool at Houghton Bay. Given the creature, known as a Feather Duster Worm, or polychaete, is apparently only 2 mm approx. in diameter, that was good spotting. The find has drawn the attention of NIWA specialists who consider that it may be a new species, possibly not identified anywhere else. This would not be

surprising given the numbers of new species discovered in the world’s first ever Marine BioBlitz held in 2007, which turned up 20 – 25 new species. Photo Tony Wills, printed in NatureWatch NZ, and comments drawn from Dr Dennis Gordon.

Blue Moki – Jen Howe

Whilst walking along the coast within the Taputeranga Reserve, you may have spotted a blue moki or two painted along the pathway or on the shirts and hoodies of the Coast Watch volunteers.

The real blue moki, Latridopsis ciliaris, is a species of the trumpeter family and is native to the south-western Pacific Ocean around New Zealand, and sometimes also occurs off the south east coast of Australia. In NZ it is more commonly found south of the East Cape, probably due to their migration behaviour. Annually, during the winter, adults travel along the east coast of NZ up to the only known spawning ground off Gisborne before travelling south again. The eggs and larvae are carried away from the spawning ground towards the south by the East Cape Current. They live their larval life for 8-12 months in the water column before settling onto shallow reefs when reaching about 10 cm in length. Here, they live on small crustaceans which they find amongst the weed. They remain in the reef shallows for another 4-5 years until they reach maturity and a length of about 40 cm. At this time

the blue moki moves further offshore to join the schools of adult fish where they can grow to 80 cm and live for over 30 years, though most are commercially taken when they are between 40-60 cm long. The oldest blue moki recorded was 43 years old. The blue moki is a handsome fish with an elliptical silhouette ending with big, fleshy lips. It is a blue-grey colour along the top, often with dark or lighter bands, and fades to silver below. Juveniles are often seen by divers and snorkelers, swimming among the weeds on the rocky reef or over the sandy bottom. Unfortunately for the blue moki they are good to eat and are easy to find. The juveniles are recommended as a “great fish for new spear-fishers to start on” as they are found in shallow waters swimming slowly in the currents, and don’t scare easily. A diver or a fisherman may take up to twenty fish per day. The adults are an easy target for commercial fishers too as they move in large

schools. They were introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) in the mid-1990s, since when their numbers have declined.

Original drawing of the stencil (Jen Howe)

Blue moki amongst weed at Elsdon Pipe Photo: Jen Howe

As blue moki are highly targeted by fishers, and occur in “relatively high abundance compared to other targeted fish species”, it was recommended that it be monitored as a “priority indicator species” when establishing the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. The reserve was established in 2008 but a baseline survey, including one for blue moki, was carried out in 2001 by Anjali Pande and Jonathan Gardner. Blue moki was an interesting fish to use as it is so mobile. After all, fish are not able to tell where the Reserve boundaries are. Would creating a relatively small reserve have any effect on numbers of blue moki within the reserve? Would protecting a heavily harvested species show quick or slow signs of recovery within the protected area? Daniela Diaz-Guisado’s research between 2011-2012, found that blue moki was the only highly mobile species to show signs of recovery from the Reserve’s protection. More time may be needed to gauge whether protection will also help other mobile, heavily fished species. Next time when you’re in the water, have a look for the glint of blue moki and know that the Reserve has made a difference offering this species protection from the pressure of fishing. Bibliography:

- Effects of Marine Reserve Protection on Adjacent Non-Protected Population in New Zealand

(2014) – Daniela Diaz-Guisado

- A Status Report on the Biological and Physical Information for Wellington’s South Coast with

Monitoring Recommendations for the Taputeranga Marine Reserve prepared for DOC (2008)

– Tyler Eddy, Jonathan Gardner and James Bell

- Evaluating Biological Change in New Zealand Marine Reserves (2001) – Anjali Pande

- Wikipedia

- Wildblue.co.nz

- Forestandbird.org.nz