Butterfish levels in Kapiti Marine Reserve

Total number of butterfish inside and outside Kapiti Marine Reserve

Download the data used in the graph (XLXS, 9K)

See research and monitoring for information about how this data was collected. The dotted lines in the graph show how the numbers of butterfish (greenbone, mararī) may have changed in the large time intervals between surveys.

Status: undetermined

Natural levels of butterfish in the marine reserve are unknown so their status cannot be assessed at this time.

Surveys in 1992, 1999 and 2000 showed more butterfish inside the marine reserve than outside. The 2013 survey results indicate similar numbers of butterfish inside and outside the marine reserve, due to an increase in butterfish outside the marine reserve.

Other research in 2008, 2009 and 2010 found more butterfish inside the marine reserve than outside. This data could not be included in the graph above because the research methods used were not comparable.

Trend: undetermined

There is not enough data to report any changes in the last 5 years so the trend is undetermined.

Monitoring

There is no regular monitoring of butterfish in the marine reserve. Occasional studies are carried out or supported by DOC, staff and students at Waikato and Victoria Universities and other researchers.

Reports

• Massive differential site-specific and species-specific responses of temperate reef fishes to marine reserve protection. Eddy et al. 2014.
• The Kapiti Marine Reserve (New Zealand): spatial and temporal comparisons of multi-species responses after 8 years of protection. Pande and Gardner 2012.
• From our Marine survey reports download folder: 
  • A survey of kaimoana at Kapiti Island 1999 and 2000. Stewart and MacDiarmid 2003. 
  • Monitoring of reef fish populations at Kapiti Island during aerial poisoning for rats, 1996. Cole and Singleton 1996. 
  • A survey of the marine habitats and communities of Kapiti Island. Battershill et al, 1993. Battershill et al. 1993.

See also research and monitoring.