The calm waters of the harbour provide shelter for a variety of fascinating creatures. Around 90 species of fish have been recorded here, and certain areas of the harbour provide vital habitat; such as seagrass "nurseries" for baby sole and flounder.

In summer the water warms up, and red krill can form huge shoals that stain the water pink. This brings in hungry bigger fish such as salmon, kahawai, and in recent years, even kingfish. In turn, these fish attract larger predators; sea lions, seals, penguins, and humans all catch fish in the Otago Harbour. This safe fishing ground is also used by the local shags: spotted shags, little shags and even our very own subspecies, the Otago shag.

Sometimes the harbour plays host to some unusual visitors, like an elephant seal who spent a week hanging out in Ōwheo/Water of Leith in early 2016. Keep an eye out for whales in the upper harbour, or sunfish basking at the surface. You never know what you might see!

What can you do to help?

Help keep the Otago Harbour in good condition for our marine neighbours by joining Healthy Harbour Watchers. Get involved in a beach clean-up, or check out Our Seas Our Future to see how you can help our harbour ecosystem.

Did you know?

The Otago Harbour boasts a greater diversity of seabirds than any other harbour in New Zealand.