Monitoring
A monitoring programme is being undertaken to assess the condition of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve over time.
Baseline surveys were undertaken by Victoria University of Wellington prior to the reserve's establishment in August 2008.
A diver records the size of paua in Taputeranga Marine Reserve
This entailed surveying flora and fauna at various sites inside and outside the marine reserve.
The Department of Conservation, in collaboration with Victoria University, will continue surveying at these sites at regular intervals to observe changes in the health of the reserve. Species being monitored include seaweed, rock lobster, paua, kina, and fish. The data collected over the first three years will be analysed and reported on towards the end of 2012.
Students from Victoria University will also be working on research projects on the south coast, including the reserve. This research will enhance our knowledge of the reserve.
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