Restoration Objective:

Evaluate sea urchin removal as a tool for restoration

Site Selection Criteria:

1.6 ha area. Large, discrete area (e.g. bays, bounded by sand or narrow margins) to restrict sea urchin ingress. One of four sites chosen across the Hauraki Gulf with varying environmental conditions. Sea urchins removed in September 2020.

Cause Of Decline:

Overfishing of sea urchin predators

Key Reasons For Decline:

Overgrazing

Scientific Paper

Large-scale one-off sea urchin removal promotes rapid kelp recovery in urchin barrens

Restoration ecology.

https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14060

Organisation:

University of Auckland

Site Observations:

Observation Date

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Removed sea urchins

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery

Project Outcomes:

Kelp recovered

Area of Restoration (Ha)

1.6 Distance to nearest kelp forest (in metres)

50

Indicator Data:

Indicator:	Ending Value:	Starting Value:
Adult Kelp Density	51.7424 / m²	9.0600 / m²

Observation Date

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Removed sea urchins

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery

Project Outcomes:

Restored kelp

Distance to nearest kelp forest (in metres)

50

Indicator Data:

Indicator:	Ending Value:	Starting Value:
Fish Count	0.0000	0.0000

Observation Date

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Counted lobster over 300m2

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery.

Project Outcomes:

Restored kelp cover

Indicator Data:

Indicator:	Ending Value:	Starting Value:
Lobster Count	1.0000	2.0000

University of Auckland - Nordic Bay

Restoration Project

University of Auckland - Nordic Bay

Restoration Objective:

Site Selection Criteria:

Cause Of Decline:

Overgrazing

Large-scale one-off sea urchin removal promotes rapid kelp recovery in urchin barrens

Organisation:

University of Auckland

Site Observations:

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Lessons Learned:

Project Outcomes:

1.6

50

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Adult Kelp Density

1. Engages Stakeholders

2. Draws On Many Types Of Knowledge

3. Is Informed By Native Reference Ecosystems, While Considering Environmental Change

4. Supports Ecosystem Recovery Processes

5. Is Assessed Against Clear Goals And Objectives, Using Measurable Indicators

6. Seeks The Highest Level Of Ecosystem Recovery Possible

7. Gains Cumulative Value When Applied At Large Scales

8. Is Part Of A Continuum Of Restorative Activities

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Lessons Learned:

Project Outcomes:

50

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Fish Count

1. Engages Stakeholders

2. Draws On Many Types Of Knowledge

3. Is Informed By Native Reference Ecosystems, While Considering Environmental Change

4. Supports Ecosystem Recovery Processes

5. Is Assessed Against Clear Goals And Objectives, Using Measurable Indicators

6. Seeks The Highest Level Of Ecosystem Recovery Possible

7. Gains Cumulative Value When Applied At Large Scales

8. Is Part Of A Continuum Of Restorative Activities

6th Oct 2020 – 6th Oct 2022

Action Summary:

Lessons Learned:

Project Outcomes:

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Lobster Count

1. Engages Stakeholders

2. Draws On Many Types Of Knowledge

3. Is Informed By Native Reference Ecosystems, While Considering Environmental Change

4. Supports Ecosystem Recovery Processes

5. Is Assessed Against Clear Goals And Objectives, Using Measurable Indicators

6. Seeks The Highest Level Of Ecosystem Recovery Possible

7. Gains Cumulative Value When Applied At Large Scales

8. Is Part Of A Continuum Of Restorative Activities