University of Auckland - V Bay

Restoration Project

University of Auckland - V Bay

Restoration Objective:

Evaluate sea urchin removal as a tool for restoration

Site Selection Criteria:

1.8 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 Dec 2020.

Cause Of Decline:

Overharvest of 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

17th Dec 2020 – 17th Dec 2022

Action Summary:

Counted kelp density

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery

Project Outcomes:

Kelp recovered

Area of Restoration (Ha)

1.8

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Adult Kelp Density

78.0185
/ m2
11.7797
/ m2

Observation Date

17th Dec 2020 – 17th Dec 2022

Action Summary:

Counted snapper

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery

Project Outcomes:

Restored kelp and snapper

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Fish Count

2.00000.0000

Observation Date

17th Dec 2020 – 17th Dec 2022

Action Summary:

Counted lobster over 300m2

Lessons Learned:

A one off sea urchin removal can facilitate kelp recovery

Project Outcomes:

Restored kelp

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Lobster Count

5.00002.0000