TIME | 9 December 2008, 4pm onwards
LOCATION | CSAFE Seminar Room, , Dunedin
SPEAKER | Chris Hepburn
Our research aims to provide ecological information on a reef-by-reef basis that is most relevant to the management of fisheries within coastal taiapure and mataitai. We work in the East Otago Taiapure (north of Dunedin), Waikoau Mataitai (near Nugget Point, South Otago), and Koukourarata Mataitai (Port Levy, Banks Peninsula) in close consultation with the local community within Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai research group. Community support in each of these regions has provided excellent opportunities for many researchers and this project has directly supported at least ten postgraduate students since 2009. This seminar will outline the range of research projects that are taking place in mataitai and taiapure locally and in particular our work on paua fisheries. Paua are the key kai species at each of these sites and baseline surveys and growth information are giving local communities data that is critical for their effective management of paua stocks in their area. Identifying problems at a reef-by-reef scale through surveys has allowed managers of taiapure and mataitai to apply for regulations and bylaws to help conserve their fisheries. This information is also supporting initiatives such as community-led paua reseeding programs.
Chris’ work focuses on subtidal temperate reefs, in particular kelp forest ecosystems, and has a strong field-based component. He works closely with managers of taiapure and mataitai to provide science that supports fisheries management decisions and plans.
This seminar is part of Te Tiaki Mahinga kai’s Te Hao Matauranga series (www.mahingakai.org.nz).