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Monitoring

Monitoring

A major benefit of marine reserves is the opportunity they offer to study marine environments in their natural state.

Blue cod, close-up of head. Photo: Paddy Ryan.
Blue cod

Surveys of fish, invertebrates and seaweeds were undertaken just after the marine reserve was created and the Department of Conservation is monitoring changes to some of the key species in the reserve now that fishing has ceased. Fish and crayfish populations remain low at present. While it is too early to be sure how species will respond to protection, the presence of very good crayfish and blue cod habitat bodes well for the recovery of these two species.

Please be careful around any scientific equipment. If you catch a tagged fish outside the reserve, please return the tag and catch information (fish length, location) to the Department or the Ministry of Fisheries.