University of Auckland - Nordic Bay

Restoration Project

University of Auckland - Nordic Bay

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

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

0.00000.0000

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

1.00002.0000