Monitoring in Parininihi Marine Reserve
Polymastia pepo and ancorina alata
The establishment of a marine reserve on the north Taranaki coast has created exciting opportunities for scientific studies to be undertaken. It is important to get good baseline information on the fish and animals in the reserve to monitor any changes over time.
DOC and other scientists will gather information this summer on the size and density of rock lobsters in the reserve. This survey means that in future years it will be possible to see if the rock lobster population changes.
A survey will also be undertaken of the reef fish community. This will be done using identical methods to those used by the department in monitoring the Sugar Loaf Marine Protected Area (SLIMPA), west of New Plymouth. It will involve divers assessing what fish are using the reef.
Contacts
Further information on this marine reserve is available from: