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Marine reserves and species

Introduction

Read publications on marine reserves, their operations and species.

Life on the seabed

An investigation into how well demersal fish richness can act as a surrogate for epibenthic richness. Published 2015.

Reef Life Survey of biodiversity in northern New Zealand

A team of volunteer divers assessed the biodiversity in northern marine reserves and associated coastlines in the first Reef Life Survey undertaken in New Zealand. Published 2013.

Functional traits as indicators of ecological integrity

This research reviewed the concept of functional traits (which considers the role of an organism in an ecosystem) as indicators of ecological integrity, then used this approach to analyse underwater video imagery from Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti. Published 2014.

Trial indicators for an ecological integrity assessment, Abel Tasman coast

This report is an assessment of the ecological health of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and wider Abel Tasman coastline. It trialled new methods for monitoring New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems. Published 2013.

Cape Rodney–Okakari Point and Tāwharanui Marine Reserve rock lobster monitoring

A report on the abundance and size of spiny lobster (also known as crayfish and rock lobster) at sites within Cape Rodney–Okakari Point (Goat Island) and Tāwharanui Marine Reserves, and at nearby fished sites in 2014. Published 2015.

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve Operational Plan

This plan provides guidance to the Department of Conservation in the management of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve. Published 2022.

Status report on the biological and physical information for Wellington’s south coast

Read a report summarising research undertaken on Wellington’s south coast, with particular relevance to the monitoring of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. Published 2008.

A literature review on the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

The overall aim of this project is to collate and review scientific information that has been generated on the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve since 1983 to increase our overall understanding of the Poor Knights Islands ecosystem. Published 2009.

Development of a demersal fish community classification for New Zealand's exclusive economic zone

This report documents the development of distribution maps for a comprehensive set of demersal fish, using multivariate classification tools to define a fish community classification for the exclusive economic zone of New Zealand. Published 2006.

Development of a marine environmental classification optimised for demersal fish

NIWA staff have developed a classification of the marine environments around New Zealand. In this project the potential to develop a marine environments classification in which the weighting and transformation of variables is specifically tuned with respect to the distributions of demersal fish was explored. Published 2006.

Kapiti Marine Reserve Conservation Management Plan

This 10-year plan outlines the department’s management intentions for Kapiti Marine Reserve. Published 1998.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve Operational Plan

Review DOC's management plan for Te Angiangi Marine Reserve. Published 2003.