Estuary Care Bay of Plenty
Twelve estuary care groups operate in the Bay of Plenty, ten on Tauranga Harbour and two on Ohiwa harbour.
These volunteer community groups have formed to maintain estuary values such as open water, clean and clear water, abundant fish and shell fish, estuary margins free of plant and animal pests and rubbish and to promote native estuarine plant and bird habitats in their estuaries.
Estuary Care Bay of Plenty is a community partnership programme coordinated by Environment Bay of Plenty and supported by the Department of Conservation and Coastal District and City Councils in the Bay of Plenty to work with these community groups who care about the condition of their estuaries.
The groups hold working bees during which they monitor birds, control animal and plant pests, monitor sediment levels in their estuary and under their specific resource consent, control mangroves. Estuary Care staff work with the groups to apply for resource consent if they intend removing mangroves.
The groups have been supported to produce Bird of Tauranga Harbour booklets featuring their estuary which they distribute in their community. A twice yearly newsletter is distributed to the volunteers, providing information and networking between groups. A twice yearly forum also is organised by NZ Landcare Trust, which brings two representatives of each group together to discuss issues and ideas and to network.
You can help
Estuary Care groups are always looking for volunteers who are interested in estuary enhancement, bird monitoring, and animal and plant pest control.
Contact
Estuary Care Co-ordinator
Environment Bay of Plenty
Ph: 0800 368 267