28 June 2018

Fisheries New Zealand, Te Korowai, and the Kaikōura Marine Guardians hosted an event last night for researchers to present the findings of their research into the effects of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake on the marine environment.

Manager of Fisheries Science Richard Ford says it was great to see so many locals turn up last night, with so many of them deeply invested in this research.

“It was also really rewarding for the researchers to be able to talk about their research and answer questions people had about what was happening with our marine environment,” says Dr. Ford.

“Over 150 people attended the event, and many watched our live stream on Facebook.

“It was important for us to present to the results to the Kaikōura first, so it was pleasing to see so many people asking questions and engaging with this research.

“After the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, Fisheries New Zealand commissioned a broad research programme to better understand the impacts, and any early recovery of the marine environment.

“The $2 million Kaikōura earthquake marine recovery package funded research into the impact of the earthquakes on particular species and the ecology of the marine area.

“The research has given us a good baseline to measure how the recovery is progressing and where we need to focus our attention in the future. Continued monitoring of the recovery progress will inform future marine management options for when and how the current closure of shellfish and seaweed fisheries may be lifted,” Dr. Ford says.

Researchers presented their findings on impacts and changes to:

• Kaikōura earthquake and tectonic deformation of the Kaikōura coastline.
Kate Clark (GNS)
• Mapping change – Kaikōura to Cape Campbell
Adam Greenland (LINZ) and Helen Neil (NIWA)
• Rocky reef impacts from the Kaikōura earthquake
David Schiel (Marine Ecology Research Group, University of Canterbury)
• Gauging impacts on biogenic habitats and key invertebrates in the nearshore subtidal zone.
Robyn Dunmore (Cawthron Institute)
• Estimating paua biomass and monitoring populations affected by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake
Tom McGowan (Paua Industry Council)
• Status of Blue cod off Kaikōura following the 2016 earthquake
Mike Beentjes (NIWA)
• CRA5 Rock lobster emergency survey and post-earthquake survey research
Larnce Wichman (CRAMAC 5)
• Evaluating the impact of the Kaikōura earthquake on the population of Hutton’s shearwater
Lorna Deppe (Hutton’s Shearwater Trust)
• Hector’s dolphin survey after the Kaikōura Earthquake
Jody Weir (Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute - KORI)
• Kaikōura Canyon– submarine landslides, erosion and deposition by turbidity currents, carbon transfer, and impacts on biological communities of the deep seafloor
Ashley Rowden (NIWA)
• Effects of the Kaikōura earthquake on sperm whales
Marta Guerra (Otago University)

A one page summary for all of the research is available on our website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/adverse-events/kaikouraearthquake/

The live stream from the MPI Nelson/Marlborough/Kaikōura Facebook page is still available to be viewed: https://www.facebook.com/MPIFisheriesNelsonMarlboroughKaikoura/

ENDS

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