One of the responsibilities of our project is to normalise the processes of coastal restoration. We are incredibly privileged to do what we do, and through our experimental work, I hope we can create pathways for other restoration projects at scale in the Hauraki Gulf over time.
While we have good intentions, we can’t just do what we want – and nor should we. The coastal marine environment is a shared, public space, and we collectively have a lot to learn about how to work within it.
Currently, we are preparing for our next set of in-water restoration activities or “deployments.” I thought I’d capture some of the processes we go through to be able to place kūtai (mussels) in the water.
Resource consent
The Mussel Reef Restoration Trust holds a Resource Consent from Auckland Council, allowing us to deposit shell and live kūtai onto the seafloor for the next 32 years. This doesn’t permit us to place kūtai anywhere. Several factors must be considered, and existing, high-value habitats as identified in the Council’s Unitary Plan need to be avoided. For example, we can’t work on or near existing scallop beds, seaweed-dense sites, and places where there’s rich life on the seafloor. Instead, we focus on degraded areas – unfortunately, there are many in the Gulf.
Collaborative site selection
Selecting restoration sites is a multifaceted process grounded in partnership with Mana Whenua. This work brings together various perspectives and data sources, from historical records and iwi knowledge to recent monitoring and experimental findings, as we discuss and evaluate potential locations that are both culturally informed, and likely to have the greatest impact. Early-stage planning involves extensive conversations with all partners, where we review the project’s overall goals and weigh different options based on the collective knowledge we have gathered.
An initial field assessment is often conducted. This might involve using ROV (remotely operated vehicles) or diving to explore and assess potential areas firsthand. These preliminary evaluations help us narrow down options, providing an early look at site conditions and guiding our next steps.
Ecological surveys then need to be undertaken of the potential sites. Our friends at Coast & Catchment usually handle these surveys and it involves preparatory desk work to markup sites, undertake analysis to ensure we’re avoiding other conflicts (like underwater cables). Then surveys are undertaken usually by towing cameras along transect lines. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to survey areas due to poor visibility, or unfavourable weather! The footage is then reviewed to assess site characteristics.
Following the ecological surveys, in some instances we require a coastal processes assessment. This assessment evaluates prevailing currents, winds, storm surge risks, and more. We need to be confident that our kūtai won’t wash up on the nearest beach after the first storm. To date, despite all the major storms, this hasn’t been an issue.
The paperwork
Once we confirm that the sites are suitable to pursue, and are confident that they meet our consent parameters, and pass the coastal processes assessment tests, we prepare the necessary paperwork. This includes submitting a Work Plan to Auckland Council, detailing our restoration proposal along with all gathered information. We also apply for biosecurity permits to move kūtai from the Coromandel Mussel Farms to our restoration sites, and an exemption from the Auckland Council Regional Pest Management Plan which is also required because we are translocating kūtai across the Hauraki Gulf. This year, we must also consider the invasive seaweed, exotic Caulerpa.
The waiting game
Once we’ve lodged all the paperwork we then wait for permit approvals. Our deployment dates, chosen by our Mana Whenua partners based on the Maramataka (moon phases), are set. And, we cross our fingers for favourable weather. When all these stars align, we are ready to deploy. Each deployment is a step forward, adding to our knowledge and advancing our mission to re-mussel the Gulf. And as the kūtai settle into their new home, our work continues, monitoring each deployment to learn, adapt, and drive future success.
Photo credits: Cover photo of Ngāti Manuhiri deployment by Shaun Lee, other photos with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki by Courtney Bennett and Al Alder.