Issue

20Coast Care Bay of Plenty Newsletter - June 2013

Working together to care for our coast – Kia ngatahi te tiaki takutai

Waiotahi - Eastern Bay of Plenty

Introduction Dear Coast Carers

First, welcome to this edition of our Coast Care newsletter, we hope it finds you well. It’s been an exciting and busy seven months for me; learning all about the Coast Care programme, and seeing first-hand how the hard-work and dedication of Coast Care volunteers and contractors has contributed to dune restoration throughout the Bay of Plenty. I’ve been shown a number of before and after pictures of sites Coast Care groups have been working on and I continue to be amazed at the remarkable improvements.

Invitation

I would like to personally invite you to join us in celebrating a huge milestone for Coast Care. On the 23 June 2013, the coast care 1,000,000th plant will be planted! The event can be described as ‘planting in a posh frock’. But seriously there will be a few speeches, a BBQ, spot prizes, dune planting and other activities for you to get involved in.

All Coast Care volunteers have been sent an invitation, but of course anyone interested in dunes are welcome. We would love to have as many volunteers present to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.

The Coast Care programme started 19 years ago, so to get to 1,000,000 plants in that time is a huge achievement. A big thank you to all of you who have contributed to help us reach this milestone.

Annual plantingThe annual planting season is about to start. Planting dates are on our website and our Coast Care volunteers will receive working bee flyers over the next few weeks. We really appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you there.

On behalf of all the Coast Care partner agencies and contractors we’d like to thank you for all your Coast Care efforts, and look forward to another successful planting season.

Amy

Amy Greaves Land Management Officer Coastal Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Will you be the person who plants the

1,000,000th plant? If the weather is not kind please listen to either 1XX, Classic Hits or GoldFM. The postponement date is 30 June 2013, same time, same location.

To ensure we also recognise the work undertaken in the Eastern Bay, we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Coast Care programme in 2014 in that part of the region, so keep an eye out for details of this future event.

Postponement notices will be aired on 1XX, Classic Hits and GoldFM.

Where Opposite 50 Marine Parade

Mount Maunganui

When 23 June 2013

from 11am-2pm

Yahoo to Maketū School!Coast Care, in partnership with Maketū Ongatoro Wetland Society and supported by Sustainable Backyards, held an environment awareness day on 22 March 2013 on the Maketū Spit.

65 children from Maketū school, along with their teachers and parents learnt about the variety of shorebirds present at the mouth of the Kaituna River. Shells and crustaceans were identified on the seashore, followed by a walk and a talk along the unique Maketū Spit sand dunes.

Rubbish was collected around Te Tumu and the participants were made aware of the significant detrimental effects it has to our marine biodiversity.

Maketū Spit is known for its diverse bird and marine life and many shorebirds were sighted and identified using identification cards.

The local children learned about the unique dune system of Maketū Spit. The two foredune plants that are an important part of the dunes, spinifex and the endemic pīngao, were

quickly sighted. Maketū school children looked at both plant’s unique characteristics which allow them to catch sand and hold onto it, which, when combined with the effects of the wind and the sea, naturally build a dune. Questions and answers were given as to: what is a dune? – a buffer to protect our family and home from the sea. Without a dune? – no beach.

All who participated in this event had a fun day. Thank you to Maketū School.

The local children learned about the unique dune system of Maketū Spit.

Rabbit control According to Dune Restoration Trustee and Scion vegetation scientist Dr David Bergin stock grazing and development pressures are largely being managed. Rabbits are probably the main threat left to dune plants, where they exist. Every year significant time and resources are spent on rabbit control as part of the Coast Care programme.

During spring and summer Coast Care volunteers and contractors assess the abundance and impacts of rabbits right along the coast, using what is known as the “Modified McLean Scale.” This scale ranges from one (which means no rabbit sign seen) through to eight (where rabbits are running everywhere).

Give us a call if you think rabbit numbers in your area are building up and having an impact on dune plants.

Keeping in touch We try and keep our records of Coast Care volunteers up to date, but people move and circumstances change. If you change your email or postal address we would appreciate a quick email with your new and old details – send it to CoastCare@boprc.govt.nz or let your local Coast Care contractor know. Add your mobile phone number if you have one.

We’re aiming to get this newsletter out twice a year. In between newsletters we’ll use emails to let you know about any Coast Care events coming up near you. All events will also be on our website.

Please let us know if there are any particular topics that you would like included in our newsletter.

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Maketū School sustainable day out

Beach clean-up with Maketū Primary School, part of the Sustainable Backyards Month 22 March 2013 – Sandra Hemopo (principal)

Mangatawa Nursery(Interview with Chrissy McLeod, Nursery Supervisor)

How is your nursery involved in Coast Care?

We provide a range of plants for Coast Care projects but this year we have focussed on growing Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa). Stock will be ready to go out for planting shortly.

How long have you been involved?

We have been involved for a number of years now, providing seed or cutting grown plants for many projects.

Why did your nursery get involved?

Our close proximity to the coast made it a natural choice to be involved some way or another. Protecting the valuable resources for future generations is a huge priority for us and we like to support any initiative that encourages community participation.

What do you think is the biggest challenge we face in protecting our coastal areas?

Natural weather conditions are something that we cannot change, however we can help reduce or minimise some of the effects of those natural conditions, planting for shelter or erosion etc. Climate change is a huge challenge

because it is a global issue and needs global thinking to make a difference. On a smaller scale, education and promotion of the environment can only be positive. I appreciate the programmes available in our schools that encourage children to understand and value the environment.

Would you encourage other nurseries to get involved in supporting coast care efforts around the country? And if so why?

Yes – the more trees and plants, the better!

What is the most rewarding part of the work that you do?

Mostly it has been about having the opportunity to help care for the environment. Another is to see children involved in projects and watching them develop a greater understanding of nature, biodiversity and our natural resources.

Are there other areas that your nursery specialises in, apart from dune plants, e.g. wetland plants?

We have always grown plants for coastal areas. The past three years we have increased production in wetland species including lots of flax, reeds and grasses.

How many plants they grow annually for Coast Care and other organisations for dune restoration?

This year we have grown 5000+ Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa).

How many people are employed at the nursery and how long have they worked there?

We have four full time staff at the nursery and employ casual staff during busy times. I have been here over 11 years now. The other three ladies have been here on and off for at least seven years each. Together we have over 30 years experience!

What are the time lines from seed collection to when they leave the nursery for planting for the main Coast Care plants such as pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa)?

This year’s plants were grown from cutting material over the past year. The material was specially chosen specifically for its vigorous growth habit, to help it compete with weeds. The timeframe is shorter compared to seed grown dune plants that usually take around 18 months from collection to planting.

Mangatawa Nursery from the left Chrissy McLeod, Wikitoria

Taite and Tapina Mcleod

Nursery profiles

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Coastlands Plant Nursery(Interview with Jo Bonner, Director and Owner)

How is your nursery involved in Coast Care?

We supply over 40 species of plants. The majority of plants are for foredunes, but numbers are increasing for backdunes.

How long have you been involved?

I started out in 1995 supplying plants for the district council for local dunes. As a child I always wanted to work for Naturally Native and in 1999 I got the chance when they took over the lease and asked me to work for them. I purchased the business in March 2013.

Why did your nursery get involved?

It comes down to location and being only 1 km from the beach lends itself to growing these plants. I had been asked by the district council to grow spinifex which has been really successful. Turns out at the time Forest Research were doing a paper on spinifex and how hard it was to propagate.

What do you think is the biggest challenge we face in protecting our coastal areas?

Vehicles on beaches are a huge thing. People don’t want their vehicles broken into which is common, so they want them right by them while they are fishing, and the council doesn’t have the funds to raise carparks so they are visible from the beach. Also finding volunteers, people just don’t have the time to dedicate to volunteering. There aren’t many young volunteers coming through either.

What is the most rewarding part of the work that you do?

The feedback received from clients is hugely satisfying. It’s also really nice to walk down the beach and see healthy dunes and knowing you have been a part of that. Watching the seeds you have collected and planted germinate.

How many plants do you grow annually for Coast Care and other organisations for dune restoration?

100,000 plants for Coast Care in the Bay of Plenty and 300,000 elsewhere around New Zealand from Kaitaia to Timaru.

What are other areas that your nursery specialises in, apart from dune plants?

Wetland plants and coastal revegetation. Also we are growing local rare and endangered plants. We are part of the 10 year project with Department of Conservation (DOC) to bring back rare and endangered plants on Moutohorā Island (Whale Island). DOC also have a project running on Tūhua (Mayor Island) to bring back the hibiscus which has been missing from the island for the last seven years which I am helping with. We receive seeds from rare and endangered plants sourced from around New Zealand which we propagate then send back. We also support the local Forest and Bird group with the supply of soil and seedlings free of charge for their nursery.

How many people are employed at the nursery and how long have they worked there?

I have four staff with varied hours. Monique has been here for nine years and is the production assistant. She has her National Certificate in Advanced Nursery Production. Michelle is coming up six years. Michelle completed her Advanced Trade Certificate in Nursery Production while employed here. She is in charge of all irrigation, plus makes the spinifex look beautiful. Wendy has been here six years, is second in charge and also in charge of dispatch. Liz has been on and off since 1999. Liz is the champion sorter of spinifex seeds. Each year she sorts 100,000 seeds while sitting in her lounge.

What are the time lines from seed collection to when they leave the nursery for planting for the main coast care plants?

It is an 18 month cycle. Seed collection happens in January, sowing in March, pricking out July to December and dispatch from May the following year. Because the plants are in root trainers it’s quicker turn around vs growing in pots.

Seed collection happens in the height of summer so it’s either baking hot or just before a cyclone when you are getting blown about. You can get stung and people have mistaken us for rubbish collectors and hand us rubbish. It’s not a glamorous job seed collection but Wendy loves it!

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From left: Monique Fanstone, Michelle Bolger, Jo Bonner (owner),

Liz Foulkes, Wendy Barber

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Coast Care partners and representatives recently attended the Rotorua Fishing and Casting Club fishing competition between Ōtamarākau and Matatā. Coast Care contributed $500 worth of prizes for dune-friendly behaviour. This included leaving vehicles on the road or in designated car parks, driving along the high tide line or below and avoiding all dune plants, tracks through the dunes, and nesting areas for shorebirds.

Any competitors found breaking these rules are ineligible for the spot-prizes. Coast Care have been involved in the competition for the last six years and the last three years have been free of dune-damaging competitors - evidence that the message is getting out there.

Coast Care also attended the Easter Ōtamarākau School surf-casting competition. There were no rule breakers there either!

Coast Care contractor Chris Ward on dune-friendly behaviour patrol at Ōtamarākau

Rotorua Fishing and Casting Club Competition2008 80 competitors broke these dune-care rules

2009 15 broke the rules

2010 6 broke the rules

2011 NO one broke the rules

2012 NO one broke the rules

2013 NO one broke the rules

Grow your own PīngaoWhile dune restoration programmes like Coast Care restore dunes with pīngao with the potential to provide a sustainable weaving resource, in some cases it may be easier to establish gardens specifically for harvesting fibre. Pīngao does not need a sand dune to grow; pīngao will grow well in a wide range of moist, well-drained soils. Add sand to lighten heavy soils. Although it will grow in semi-shade, full sun will develop the rich golden colours for which pīngao is prized.

Seed collectionCollect seed as soon as pīngao ripens in early summer (December–January), but avoid immature green seed. Rub the seed heads firmly to dislodge the mature seed.

Sowing seedsSprinkle seeds and debris onto a tray of seed raising mix, and cover with 3–5 mm of coarse sand or sieved potting mix. Keep moist but don’t overwater. Addition of a plastic sheet over the tray will help maintain humidity, but should be removed once the seed has germinated. Summer-sown seed will germinate in 11–20 days and seedlings will be ready for pricking out in 4–8 weeks. Prick out into potting mix in root trainers or small individual pots, taking care not to deform the tap root, although long

roots may be trimmed. Hold seedlings under cover through the winter. Place them outside to harden off once frosts have finished. They can be planted in the garden then, as long as they are well cared for and weeded often. Otherwise, replant the seedlings into larger pots or root trainers (the size of a 500g yoghurt container), and leave until the next autumn, by which time they should be 40 cm tall.

PlantingSeedlings can then be planted in garden beds, 50-70 cm apart in rows also 50-70 cm apart. The key requirement at planting is to incorporate a small handful of slow-release NPK fertiliser or a fertiliser tablet in the hole of each seedling.

FertiliserOnce the plants are established a light application of slow-release fertiliser will

promote faster growth.

WateringSummer watering and application of mulching materials such as sawdust, leaf litter, bark or straw will maintain necessary moisture levels and suppress weed growth. Deep mulch will encourage long leaves, improving their utility for weaving.

Rotorua Fishing and Casting Club competition

Kidz Corner

Getting ready for seal seasonWritten by Pete Huggins, Department of Conservation

Each winter the Bay of Plenty gets lots of visiting fur seals that come here for the warmer waters. Called kekeno in Māori, New Zealand fur seals are recovering from massive reductions in population due to commercial sealing in the 18th and 19th

centuries. However if you see a seal this winter there’s no need to do anything unless the animal is in obvious danger.

Seals have been successfully breeding in the South Island; and wildlife tourists regularly visit Banks Peninsula and Kaikoura just to see them. Recent evidence shows that seals are starting to breed again here in the Bay of Plenty, which is a sign of a healthy environment and could lead to the area becoming more of a seal hotspot year round.

Seals occur naturally on the coastline; both on sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Bay residents can all expect to see seals this winter; mostly basking (lying asleep) on the beaches or lazing in the water. The Department of Conservation (DOC) wants to know if seals are carrying serious injuries or are being harassed by people or dogs, in which case DOC will respond. Otherwise the DOC policy is to leave seals alone to do their thing. People are encouraged to watch seals from a distance; never approach one as they can bite and carry nasty diseases!

Coast Care volunteers and supporters are encouraged to email Department of Conservation if they see seals on shore this winter, please provide details of the animals location and any other details to bayseals@doc.govt.nz; and in an emergency ring the DOC HOTline; 0800 362 468.

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D R I F T W O O D S C QO O A O O I A G N E K UT T O R S T D C A A A AT E C E W A V E S W T DE K E D A P S X R E I BR C A U E V E O N E P IE U N N L F D U E D O KL B N E I T N H S E B EN S A N D C A S T L E IG W I W I T S E R I A PI P S E A G U L L F C IS W I M M I N G S E H P

BEACHBUCKET

DOTTERELDRIFTWOODFOREDUNE

HATKATIPO

LIFE

NESTNGAIOOCEAN

PIPIQUADBIKE

SANDSANDCASTLE

SEAGULL

SEAWEEDSIGN

SPADESPINIFEX

SWIMMINGTIDE

WAVESWIWI

JokesWhat do you call a witch who lives on the beach? A sandwitch!

Where do ghosts like to swim? The Dead Sea.

What do whales like to put on their toast in the morning? Jellyfish!

What did one wave say to the other wave? Nothing. It just waved.

What do you call the mushy stuff stuck between a shark’s teeth? Slow swimmers!

Why are fish so smart? Because they live in schools.

What do you get when cross a school of fish with a herd of elephants? Swimming trunks!

Words can be found written across, down, backwards and diagonally. Put a line through each word as you find it. The left over letters, in order, answer the clue.

Answer to word search clue : A Coast Care volunteer

Clue: Who you would become to look after the dunes and the beach

From one of our Coast Care partners

Waihī Beach - Peter Roy from Pio Shores, Bowentown

How long have you been involved with Coast Care?

About 10 years now. The first few years I was just trying to get the noxious weeds under control but now I’m able to organise plantings in my area every year.

Why did you get involved?

While some of the dune area here at Pio Shores had a good coverage of native vegetation we also had large areas infested with gorse, pampas, Agapanthus and self-seeded Banksia, and these areas were getting worse. It was clearly too big a job for one person but with the support from the community I now coordinate eight qualified volunteers who each manage a specific area doing things like weed control and planting where appropriate. Coast Care were supportive of this restoration project.

What have been the biggest challenges in getting native plants established?

The biggest challenge by far has been the extreme conditions on the dunes. Some areas can be bone-dry for months and then be under 300 mm of water when the water table is high. Most plants surprisingly cope with these extremes, but not all. So it has been a case of seeing what works.

Do you have any advice to share with fellow coast carers about dune restoration?

Think long-term and persevere. Not everything will go according to plan. Have fun and you will probably get to know your neighbours better and make some great friends.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Seeing the gradual transformation of the area I work in and having to do less weed control as the plantings begin to take hold. So much of our world is developed and I believe it is very worthwhile to have areas where the natural environment is valued and protected.

What’s the most unusual thing you have seen at the beach?

Probably the dead whale that washed ashore a few years back. It was about 12 metres long and smelt really bad. I’m glad they didn’t bury it near my place.

What are your views on predicted climate change and sea level rise?

I’ve been associated with Waihi Beach since 1977 and must say I’m not aware of any noticeable change, but it certainly was a warm summer!

In a restoration dune area at Pio Shores, Bowentown

Volunteer profiles

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Barbara Ward

Western Bay – Barbara Ward Idea Services IHC, Mount Maunganui

How long have you been involved with Coast Care?

About six years but more so over the last couple of years.

Why did you get involved?

I love the beach and coast, I noticed after some storms the dunes were being washed away. Coast Care working bees were advertised in the paper so we went along to do the planting and really enjoyed what I was doing. I realised that the people I support in Idea Services IHC might like to help with the dune work, so I contacted Coast Care to arrange for them to help with the dune planting. Chris Ward Coast Care Contractor - Western was really helpful and went out of his way to find areas with good access so that those who wanted to be could be included.

What have been the biggest challenges in getting native plants established?

A challenge for me is to find communities who will support people with disabilities and the work they do, as valued members of the community. Chris has been most inclusive and gone out of his way to include us in the work, to the point where there is no challenge really, and the plants we’ve planted have thrived.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Chris has encouraged people in Idea Services to become involved in the dune care. Two groups have been weeding and preparing for planting later this year. They can also see how well established the spinifex they planted in previous years have grown. This gives us all a feeling of having done

something worthwhile and being part of our community. It is good to think this beautiful coastline will be here for generations to come with continual care.

Do you have any advice to share with fellow coast carers about dune restoration?

Always remember your contribution, however small, helps to restore and maintain our coastal dunes. It is the sum of lots of small voluntary contributions that will help to restore the dunes to their original state.

What’s the most unusual thing you have seen at the beach?

The most horrific thing I have seen is the beach covered in oil after the Rena grounding on the Astrolabe Reef. More encouraging was the enormous turn-out of people to clean the beach, the power of the community and the people. More recently when weeding on the dunes we disturbed two native lizards, they were beautiful dark brown, and one obviously had regrown a tail because the tail was a bit lighter shade of brown. Not unusual but a delight to see.

What are your views on predicted climate change and sea level rise?

I wouldn’t want to mess with nature! Hopefully planting the dunes will help balance the bad effects of climate change and the sea levels.

Idea Services weed removal work

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The story of Pīngao

“At the beginning of time there was great conflict between Tane, God of the Forest, and his brother Tangaroa, God of the Sea. Tangaroa was jealous of Tane, of his success in separating Ranginui the Sky Father from Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother.

Tane sought to end the warring between them and as a sign of peace, he plucked out his eyebrows and gave them to Tangaroa. Tangaroa could not find it in his heart to forgive and he threw the eyebrows back on to the shore. There they grow today as pīngao, the sand sedge, at the boundary between the forest and the sea, and in his continued anger Tangaroa is still fighting amongst the domains of Tāne Mahuta.”

Pīngao Ficinia spiralis (the botanists keep changing its name), is an endemic plant found on or near coastal foredunes throughout New Zealand. It is a distinctive plant, its bright-coloured foliage often contrasting with the silvery grey of spinifex, with which it’s frequently associated. In spring, dark-brown flowerheads appear, borne on stems up to 90 cm tall. The small flowers are arranged on the flowerhead in a spiral pattern and produce seed in early summer. Pīngao has rope like rhizomes which run out across the sand surface before becoming buried by drifting sand.

Pīngao won the New Zealand Plant Conservation plant of the year in 2009.

Pīngao is one of four natural fibres used extensively for weaving by Māori, the other three being harakeke (flax), ti kouka (cabbage tree) and kiekie. Pīngao has an established status among Māori weavers, being the only natural fibre with a colour which cannot be improved upon. It sun-dries to a brilliant orange-gold shade

and needs no further processing. Pīngao weaving is used extensively on tukutuku panels on the walls of wharenui. The leaves are also used on their own or with other weaving materials to make fine plaited kete (bags), whāriki (mats), pōtae (hats), and pare (headbands).

In pre-European times pīngao was widespread and abundant. Today most populations are reduced to small discontinuous patches, and in many districts they are too small to sustain the demand for pīngao fibre. This is the result of settlement, including grazing by domestic stock, browsing by introduced animals such as rabbits, competition with the exotic marram grass, development, and vehicle use on dunes. In the past the harvesting of pīngao was governed by Māori tikanga, but now, in some areas, inappropriate methods of harvesting fibre may be contributing to the decline of natural stands. Restoration programmes are underway to rehabilitate dunes with pīngao and to provide a sustainable weaving resource.

Introducing Pīngao – the golden sand sedge

ReferencesThe Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand www.dunestrust.org.nz > Dune restoration > Foredune species > Pingao establishmentDepartment of Conservation www.doc.govt.nz > publications > conservation > native-plants > pikao or pingao the golden sand sedgeThe golden sand sedge, published by Nga Puna Waihanga 1991. The Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand www.dunestrust.org.nz > Publications> Dunes Trust Coastal Restoration Handbook The Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand www.dunestrust.org.nz > Dune restoration > Foredune species > Pingao sustainability for weaving

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Selective clipping technique: This is the preferred method of harvesting pīngao as it has the least effect on the health of the plant.

Sustainable harvesting of Pīngao for weavingThe harvesting of pīngao is governed by tikanga (Māori customs/traditions), but now, in some areas, inappropriate methods of harvesting fibre may be contributing to the decline of natural stands. The traditional pīngao harvest was conducted in autumn, with the head removed from the leaves and, at the same time, a side shoot removed from the plant and transplanted deep in the sand next to the parent plant. This ensured the pīngao survived, and also signalled a thank you to Tāne mahuta for his abundance.

In an effort to reduce the impact of harvesting on pīngao populations, the effects of different harvesting methods cutting, wrenching, and elective clipping were evaluated to find the most sustainable method. The results showed clearly that the survival of the main growing shoots were highest when using the selective clipping method where leaves of high weaving quality are selected and cut individually from leaf clusters.

Stripping: Some weavers prefer to strip the outer leaves from established pīngao plants. This method was not compared in the trials but removal of a few outer leaves per cluster is not likely to affect plant performance.

Wrenching and cuttingCutting of whole shoots, or wrenching, can cause more damage than the clipping technique shown. It also results in wastage, as not all the leaves will be suitable for weaving.

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Update on the success of last dotterel breeding season in the Bay of PlentyMassey University update on dotterel monitoringMonitoring shows the population of rare New Zealand dotterels captured during the Rena oil spill has recovered well from the event. About 120 dotterels were in the area between Matakana Island and Matata at the time of the spill in October 2011, and the decision was made to take 60 into captivity to keep them out of the path of the oil. Translocation of the birds and release elsewhere would not have helped as they would have returned quickly to their breeding territories. Had the remaining dotterels in the area been lost to oil, the “insurance” population in captivity could have been used to re-establish dotterels in the region.

Independent shorebird ecologist Dr John Dowding has been monitoring the population since it was released back to its habitat at the end of 2011. He says of the dotterels taken into captivity, more than three-quarters were alive a year later.

“There were some losses in the first month after release – probably due to the respiratory condition that killed six birds while they were captive – but after that survival has been normal,” he says.

Once dotterels begin breeding, they typically remain at the same site for many years. “As it was not always possible to catch both birds in a pair, some pairings were disrupted during the pre-emptive capture.” In spite of this, most of the survivors were paired and breeding again a year after release. Dr Dowding says that overall, the dotterel

population in the western Bay of Plenty appears to have survived the Rena incident reasonably well.

“One year on, numbers at most of the important sites are similar to those before the grounding,” he says. “This is an encouraging result; dotterels can live for up to 30 years, and the one season of disruption needs to be viewed in that context.

“After some losses shortly after release, the birds held in captivity also appear to have re-adjusted to life in the wild, showing normal rates of survival and dispersal, and typical levels of breeding activity.”

However, he says there is always the potential for longer-term effects, and monitoring will continue. “To date, the results suggest the pre-emptive capture exercise was justified; in spite of some losses, the captive population would have been sufficient to allow the regional population to re-establish, had the remaining wild population been lost to oil.”

National Oiled Wildlife Response Team co-ordinator

Kerri Morgan says that the mortalities were disappointing, although not entirely unexpected.

“We always knew the period in captivity would be stressful and potentially risky. However, it’s encouraging to see that survival rates of released birds have now normalised and hopefully this will continue into the future.”

Find out moreIf you want more information on Coast Care groups and programmes contact: Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Telephone: 0800 884 880Facsimile: 0800 884 882Email: coastcare@boprc.govt.nzWebsite: www.boprc.govt.nzAddress: 5 Quay Street, PO Box 364, Whakatane 3158

Coast Care is proudly supported by:

“One year on, numbers at most of the important sites are similar to those

before the grounding.”