DOCSLIB.ORG

A LINE in the OCEAN Unmodified One, Straddles Tropical and Temperate Are Increasing After Decades of Lack of a Strategic Approach

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A LINE in the OCEAN Unmodified One, Straddles Tropical and Temperate Are Increasing After Decades of Lack of a Strategic Approach FLAP SMALL FLAP LARGE BACK COVER COVER THE KERMADECS SCIENCE IN THE KERMADECS There are few marine areas on The Kermadec Islands became Scientific interest in the Kermadec earth as complex and intact as the part of New Zealand in 1886 and region has grown in recent decades. ‘the marine environment at the Kermadec region of New Zealand. a permanent field base – initially Scientists from New Zealand The diverse range of undisturbed run by the meteorological service museums, universities and Crown Kermadecs is as close to “pristine” habitats and species make this one of but now by the Department Research Institutes, along with the worlds most remarkable places. of Conservation (DOC) – was international researchers, have as it is possible to find anywhere What makes this place especially established on Raoul Island in 1937. discovered numerous hydrothermal valuable to science is that, as well as While the islands have never been vents and seamounts, along with in the world’ containing healthy ecosystems, it is permanently inhabited, introduced species new to science that live in the – so far – largely unexplored and may species, especially rodents, have shallow waters around the Kermadec Jonathan Gardner, DEEP*, p.42 yet hold many secrets vital to earth’s changed the islands’ flora and Islands as well as deep in the sea ‘You can have a marine life-supporting processes. decimated seabird populations. around the underwater volcanoes. Scientist studying the bird fauna on Scientists sampling in a rock pool on Raoul Banded coral shrimp Raoul Island Island, May 2011 photograph by Roger Grace This research suggests there are photograph by Karen Baird photograph by Tom Trnski, Auckland Museum natural laboratory The remote Kermadec Islands The islands are now a nature reserve, many new species to discover, lie in the heart of one of the world’s and DOC staff and volunteers are geological formations to investigate anywhere, but it’s great ocean wilderness areas. The working to eliminate exotic flora and complex ecological interactions 620,000-square-kilometre Kermadec and fauna and restore the local biota. to untangle, but research to date has best to choose an region, located between New In the waters around the islands, been opportunistic, limited not only Zealand’s North Island and Tonga, sightings of migrating whales by logistics and cost but also by the A LINE IN THE OCEAN unmodified one, straddles tropical and temperate are increasing after decades of lack of a strategic approach. climates and is home to whales whaling drove many species to near Future directions and priorities for Kermadecs science with good diversity of and turtles, sharks, seabirds, fish extinction. July 2012 and deep-sea marine life, with new This document was developed by the Pew Environment Group with habitat, geographic species being discovered every year. Despite the devastating human contributions from Malcolm Clark (NIWA), Jonathan Gardner (Victoria The region includes volcanic islands, impact on the seabird and University of Wellington), Karen Baird (Forest and Bird), Rochelle Constantine range, and depth.’ cold methane seeps, hydrothermal whale populations, the marine (The University of Auckland), Marti Anderson (Massey University), Clinton vents and the second deepest ocean environment is largely intact, and Duffy (Department of Conservation), Miles Lamare (Otago University), Tom Marti Anderson, University of Auckland trench on earth, making it a hotspot is as pure and undisturbed as it is Trinski (Auckland Museum), Kevin Faure (GNS Science), Gaven Martin (Massey for some of the most geologically possible to find anywhere in the University), Geoffroy Lamarche (NIWA), Richard Wysoczanski (NIWA) and active and biologically unusual world. The 12 nautical miles around ‘the fauna is effectively Vincent Zintzen (Te Papa). features on the planet. In 2010, the each island is a marine reserve, while National Geographic Society and the the waters from 12 to 200 nautical so poorly known we have no Cover international Census of Marine Life miles are a benthic protected zone Gas bubbles from the Kermadec seabed *DEEP: Thoughts and Talks Celebrating Diversity in New Zealand’s Untouched Kermadecs photograph by Malcolm Francis PEW Environment Group and Te Papa Tongarewa, August 2010 declared the Kermadecs one of the where no trawling or dredging is basis at this time for knowing ‘last pristine sites left in the ocean’. allowed. For further information about this document, or about science in the how much we do not know’ Kermadecs, please contact: Kermadec Initiative, Pew Environment Group Undersea New Zealand (scale 1:4,000,000) Level 6, Central House, 26 Brandon Street, PO Box 25 459, NIWA Andrew Stewart and Malcolm Clark, DEEP*, p.70 Wellington 6143, New Zealand / phone: +64 4 499 0332 www.TheKermadecs.org A discussion document A MARINE LABORATORY FOR THE WORLD VALUE OF THE KERMADEC REGION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THEME 1 — What species, including resident and — What is the tectonic setting of the — What are the significant features A COLLABORATIVE INTERNATIONAL APPROACH migratory marine species and seabirds, Kermadec and Colville Ridges and how of the Kermadecs’ oceanography, AN UNEXPLORED ENVIRONMENT are found in the Kermadec region? does this relate to the location of mineral including primary productivity, The aim of this document is to stimulate interest in scientific — The Kermadec ecosystems include Improved understanding of the nearshore and pelagic features deposits and active hydrothermal bathymetry, chemistry, currents, etc? Research that takes place in the Kermadecs marine environment research in the Kermadecs marine environment. It is also intended an extraordinarily wide range of of large-scale complex marine ecosystems — Are the marine populations of the systems? Do the region’s hydrothermal will be globally significant, reflected in international to inform discussion and debate – among the wider scientific habitats in a relatively small area, Kermadecs self-supporting or do they systems have a geophysical signature? — What is the volcanic architecture of contributions to science funding, equipment and expertise. community, science investors, decision makers and the general covering subtropical to temperate rely on replenishment from elsewhere? the Kermadec arc and what are the This research will be multidisciplinary, and will involve multi- processes of metallogenesis there? public – about the future of science in this remarkable natural latitudes, and including volcanic agency collaborations between organisations from around the laboratory. It presents some immediate directions and priorities for islands, shallow reefs, continental world. It will involve training new researchers, and will lead to a more integrated approach to scientific research in the Kermadecs slopes, abyssal plains, seamounts, publications in high quality journals and books. The research THEME 2 — What are the trophic interactions — What are the key environmental drivers — How does the ecosystem as a whole and is a first step towards a strategic approach to Kermadecs and extreme environments like within the marine ecosystem? of the distributions and densities of function and what are the key will be communicated widely and will result in increased science. Research themes and questions in this document have hydrothermal vents and a deep A LARGE-SCALE INTERCONNECTED ECOSYSTEM species and communities between the relationships between the geology, scientific and public awareness of the Kermadecs region. All been drafted by the Pew Environment Group, in consultation with sea trench. Improved understanding of how the terrestrial and marine — How are the Kermadecs marine flora different marine habitats (both pelagic biology and oceanography, and the research in this remote and undisturbed environment will be scientists conducting research on key aspects of the Kermadec environments relate to physical and biological processes and fauna connected to marine flora and benthic)? terrestrial and marine ecosystems? conducted in a way that is safe to the environment and to people and fauna in other areas of New Zealand marine environment. — The waters and seafloor of the Iron and silica-rich chimneys on the summit of and is logistically efficient. Giggenbach Volcano are evidence of warm and the South Pacific Islands? — How are benthic communities — To what extent have the terrestrial Kermadec region are largely springs that were active at this site in the past connected? Do seamounts of the volcanoes impacted on the marine undisturbed by fishing, mining photograph by NOAA/GNS/NIWA — How are the Kermadecs seabirds Kermadec Arc and Ridge act as environment over time, and how A striped boarfish at Raoul Island The Kermadecs offer the international science community a photograph by Roger Grace and pollution, and can provide 2005 Ring of Fire Expedition connected to seabirds in New Zealand ‘stepping stones’ for large scale has this affected the nearshore unique laboratory by providing a window on how undisturbed IMPROVING OUR and other parts of the Pacific Ocean? a baseline environment for dispersal of benthic species? ecosystems? marine ecosystems are structured and function. Measurements This is a unique opportunity to work Hinepuia observation of global trends UNDERSTANDING and models of the components and connections in this Rakahore at the interface of the biological, like climate change, ocean FIRST KEY GOAL: environment will be used to inform management decisions geological and physicochemical
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Seabirds in Southeastern Hawaiian Waters
    WESTERN BIRDS Volume 30, Number 1, 1999 SEABIRDS IN SOUTHEASTERN HAWAIIAN WATERS LARRY B. SPEAR and DAVID G. AINLEY, H. T. Harvey & Associates,P.O. Box 1180, Alviso, California 95002 PETER PYLE, Point Reyes Bird Observatory,4990 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, California 94970 Waters within 200 nautical miles (370 km) of North America and the Hawaiian Archipelago(the exclusiveeconomic zone) are consideredas withinNorth Americanboundaries by birdrecords committees (e.g., Erickson and Terrill 1996). Seabirdswithin 370 km of the southern Hawaiian Islands (hereafterreferred to as Hawaiian waters)were studiedintensively by the PacificOcean BiologicalSurvey Program (POBSP) during 15 monthsin 1964 and 1965 (King 1970). Theseresearchers replicated a tracklineeach month and providedconsiderable information on the seasonaloccurrence and distributionof seabirds in these waters. The data were primarily qualitative,however, because the POBSP surveyswere not basedon a strip of defined width nor were raw counts corrected for bird movement relative to that of the ship(see Analyses). As a result,estimation of density(birds per unit area) was not possible. From 1984 to 1991, using a more rigoroussurvey protocol, we re- surveyedseabirds in the southeasternpart of the region (Figure1). In this paper we providenew informationon the occurrence,distribution, effect of oceanographicfactors, and behaviorof seabirdsin southeasternHawai- ian waters, includingdensity estimatesof abundant species. We also document the occurrenceof six speciesunrecorded or unconfirmed in thesewaters, the ParasiticJaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki), Tahiti Petrel (Pterodroma rostrata), Herald Petrel (P. heraldica), Stejneger's Petrel (P. Iongirostris), and Pycroft'sPetrel (P. pycrofti). STUDY AREA AND SURVEY PROTOCOL Our studywas a piggybackproject conducted aboard vessels studying the physicaloceanography of the easterntropical Pacific.
    [Show full text]
  • Kermadec White-Faced Storm-Petrel Annual Distribution Lineage
    To view this as a map and many more go to: www.nabis.govt.nz web mapping tool Type the map name into: Search for a map layer or place Lineage – Scientific methodology Annual distribution of Kermadec white-faced storm-petrel lineage 1. Literature sources were searched for distribution information. a. Scientific papers, published texts, unpublished reports and university theses available to the expert who prepared the distributional layers. b. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts for 1960-2009. c. OSNZ News and Southern Bird for 1977–2009. 2. Other sources. a. NZSAS (New Zealand Seabirds at Sea) database maintained by Natural Environment, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington. Also, a database of daily seabird sightings off Kaikoura (www.oceanwings.co.nz). 3. Summary a. An expert scientist integrated information from the literature and expert opinion, and produced hand-drawn distributional zones on a template map. These maps were then digitised and imported into a GIS software package as layers. The areas of the zones were calculated, and the layers were linked to attribute and metadata files. b. The primary sources of distribution data for Kermadec white-faced storm-petrel were the NZSAS database, published texts and unpublished reports. c. A distribution “hotspot” for New Zealand seabirds is defined as “an area of increased abundance of a species, as considered by the expert compiling the species account”. Typical examples of hotspots include areas around breeding locations during the breeding season, regardless of the absolute size of the breeding colony, and areas that are consistently and repeatedly favoured as feeding locations.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity of the Kermadec Islands and Offshore Waters of the Kermadec Ridge: Report of a Coastal, Marine Mammal and Deep-Sea Survey (TAN1612)
    Biodiversity of the Kermadec Islands and offshore waters of the Kermadec Ridge: report of a coastal, marine mammal and deep-sea survey (TAN1612) New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 179 Clark, M.R.; Trnski, T.; Constantine, R.; Aguirre, J.D.; Barker, J.; Betty, E.; Bowden, D.A.; Connell, A.; Duffy, C.; George, S.; Hannam, S.; Liggins, L..; Middleton, C.; Mills, S.; Pallentin, A.; Riekkola, L.; Sampey, A.; Sewell, M.; Spong, K.; Stewart, A.; Stewart, R.; Struthers, C.; van Oosterom, L. ISSN 1179-6480 (online) ISSN 1176-9440 (print) ISBN 978-1-77665-481-9 (online) ISBN 978-1-77665-482-6 (print) January 2017 Requests for further copies should be directed to: Publications Logistics Officer Ministry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526 WELLINGTON 6140 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0800 00 83 33 Facsimile: 04-894 0300 This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries websites at: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-resources/publications.aspx http://fs.fish.govt.nz go to Document library/Research reports © Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1. INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Objectives: 3 1.2 Objective 1: Benthic offshore biodiversity 3 1.3 Objective 2: Marine mammal research 4 1.4 Objective 3: Coastal biodiversity and connectivity 5 2. METHODS 5 2.1 Survey area 5 2.2 Survey design 6 Offshore Biodiversity 6 Marine mammal sampling 8 Coastal survey 8 Station recording 8 2.3 Sampling operations 8 Multibeam mapping 8 Photographic transect survey 9 Fish and Invertebrate sampling 9 Plankton sampling 11 Catch processing 11 Environmental sampling 12 Marine mammal sampling 12 Dive sampling operations 12 Outreach 13 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of the Weed Control Programme on Raoul Island, Kermadec Group
    4000 in extent (Devine 1975).At Low Flat shore hibiscus is extensive in the south-western corner of the flat. In 1993 one small plant was found growing above the strand line at Coral Bay and the same plant was first seen in 1991 (Clapham 1991b). This plant may have established from seed as shore hibiscus is a common strand plant in the Pacific (Merrill 1940). What is uncertain, though, is where the seed originated from. Seedlings have only occasionally been recorded under the large stands on Raoul Island (Clapham 1991b), and seed set has not been observed. It is possible that the Coral Bay plant germinated from seed dispersed from elsewhere in the Pacific. Alternatively, the plant at Coral Bay could have established from a stem fragment washed around the coast from Denham Bay or Low Flat. However, given that all known stands are some distance from the sea, this explanation is less likely. At the start of the weed eradication programme, shore hibiscus was listed as a category A plant (Devine 1977). In 1980, Sykes noted that the plants at Low Flat and Denham Bay had not increased much and because they were only slightly increasing through vegetative layering should be accorded low priority in the eradication programme. 7.3.2 Ecology Shore hibiscus is a sprawling shrub up to 4 m tall belonging to the mallow family (Malvaceae). Leaves are densely hairy below and velvety to touch, almost circular and c. 10-30 cm diam. Yellow flowers with dark purple centres are c. 30-70 mm long.
    [Show full text]
  • My Friend, the Volcano (Adapted from the 2004 Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition)
    New Zealand American Submarine Ring of Fire 2007 My Friend, The Volcano (adapted from the 2004 Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition) FOCUS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS Ecological impacts of volcanism in the Mariana 30 and Kermadec Islands KEY WORDS GRADE LEVEL Ring of Fire 5-6 (Life Science/Earth Science) Asthenosphere Lithosphere FOCUS QUESTION Magma What are the ecological impacts of volcanic erup- Fault tions on tropical island arcs? Transform boundary Convergent boundary LEARNING OBJECTIVES Divergent boundary Students will be able to describe at least three Subduction beneficial impacts of volcanic activity on marine Tectonic plate ecosystems. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Students will be able to explain the overall tec- The Submarine Ring of Fire is an arc of active vol- tonic processes that cause volcanic activity along canoes that partially encircles the Pacific Ocean the Mariana Arc and Kermadec Arc. Basin, including the Kermadec and Mariana Islands in the western Pacific, the Aleutian Islands MATERIALS between the Pacific and Bering Sea, the Cascade Copies of “Marianas eruption killed Anatahan’s Mountains in western North America, and numer- corals,” one copy per student or student group ous volcanoes on the western coasts of Central (from http://www.cdnn.info/eco/e030920/e030920.html) America and South America. These volcanoes result from the motion of large pieces of the AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIALS Earth’s crust known as tectonic plates. None Tectonic plates are portions of the Earth’s outer TEACHING TIME crust (the lithosphere) about 5 km thick, as Two or three 45-minute class periods, plus time well as the upper 60 - 75 km of the underlying for student research mantle.
    [Show full text]
  • Patterns of Prehistoric Human Mobility in Polynesia Indicated by Mtdna from the Pacific Rat (Rattus Exulans͞population Mobility)
    Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 95, pp. 15145–15150, December 1998 Anthropology Patterns of prehistoric human mobility in Polynesia indicated by mtDNA from the Pacific rat (Rattus exulansypopulation mobility) E. MATISOO-SMITH*†,R.M.ROBERTS‡,G.J.IRWIN*, J. S. ALLEN*, D. PENNY§, AND D. M. LAMBERT¶ *Department of Anthropology and ‡School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, P. B. 92019 Auckland, New Zealand; and §Molecular Genetics Unit and ¶Department of Ecology, Massey University, P. B. 11222 Palmerston North, New Zealand Communicated by R. C. Green, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 1998 (received for review July 20, 1998) ABSTRACT Human settlement of Polynesia was a major Recent genetic research focusing on Polynesian populations event in world prehistory. Despite the vastness of the distances has contributed significantly to our understanding of the covered, research suggests that prehistoric Polynesian popu- ultimate origins of this last major human migration. Studies of lations maintained spheres of continuing interaction for at globin gene variation (2) and mtDNA lineages of modern least some period of time in some regions. A low level of genetic Polynesians (3, 4) and studies of ancient DNA from Lapita- variation in ancestral Polynesian populations, genetic admix- associated skeletons (5) may indicate that some degree of ture (both prehistoric and post-European contact), and severe admixture with populations in Near Oceania occurred as more population crashes resulting from introduction of European remote biological ancestors left Southeast Asia and passed diseases make it difficult to trace prehistoric human mobility through Near Oceania. An alternative hypothesis is that the in the region by using only human genetic and morphological biological ancestors of these groups were one of a number of markers.
    [Show full text]
  • Obsidian from Macauley Island: a New Zealand Connection
    www.aucklandmuseum.com Obsidian from Macauley Island: a New Zealand connection Louise Furey Auckland War Memorial Museum Callan Ross-Sheppard McGill University, Montreal Kath E. Prickett Auckland War Memorial Museum Abstract An obsidian flake collected from Macauley Island during the Kermadec Expedition has been analysed to determine the source. The result indicates a Mayor Island, New Zealand, origin, supporting previous results on obsidian from Raoul Island that Polynesians travelled back into the Pacific from New Zealand. Keywords obsidian; Pacific colonisation; Pacific voyaging; Macauley Island. INTRODUCTION The steep terrain meant there were only a few suitable habitation places confined to flat areas of limited size on The Kermadec Islands comprise Raoul Island, the largest the south and north coasts. The only landing places were of the group, the nearby Meyer Islands and Herald adjacent to these flats. Botanical surveys have recorded Islets, and 100–155 km to the south are Macauley, the presence of Polynesian tropical cultigens including Curtis and Cheeseman iIslands, and L’Esperence Rock. candlenut (Aleurites monuccana) and ti (Cordyline Raoul is approximately 1000 km to the northeast of fruticosa) (Sykes 1977) which are not endemic to the New Zealand. During the 2011 Kermadec Expedition, island and it is assumed they were transported there by samples of naturally occurring obsidian were obtained Polynesian settlers. Polynesian tuberous vegetables such from Raoul, the Meyer Islands, and from the sea floor off as taro (Colocasia esculenta) and kumara (Ipomoea Curtis Island. These are now in the Auckland Museum batatas) were also recorded but their introduction collection. More importantly however was the single attributed to later 19th century immigrants.
    [Show full text]
  • Sykes: the Effect of Goats on Kermadec Islands' Vegetation 13
    SYKES: THE EFFECT OF GOATS ON KERMADEC ISLANDS' VEGETATION 13 THE EFFECT OF GOATS ON VEGETATION OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS W. R. SYKES Botanr Divisiol!. D.S.l.R" Christchurch Goats were present on RaouL the largest island partly responsible for the deyelopment of lhis of the Kermadecs, in 1836, (Rhodes il! Straubel habit. Browsing had also resulted in the introduced 1954) although Wright and Metson (1959) stated sedge Cyperus brevifolius (Rotlb.) Hassk. forming that they were liberated there in 1842. Rhodes said short dense mats lowards the bottom of lhe shallow lhat they were few in number on Raoul whereas he guIJies; this appearance being quite unlike that stated that in 1836. lhe second largest island in the usually found in this species elsewhere. On Raoul group, Macauley, "abounds with goats". This the two lasl-named plants do not form short turf. implies that lhese animals mllst have already been The overall appearance of the plaleau as early as present for a number of years. On Macauley the 1887 must have resembled that seen in 1966 vegetation was burnt to some degree prior to the because Cheeseman (1888) found" . a beau- arrival of the goats. As a result, it has - grassland tiful sward of natural grass". covering most of its surface whereas Raoul is still forested. The above monocotyledonous herbs provided the main source of food for the large goat population, and. apart from limiled areas, dicotyledonous Jn July and August 1966, an expedition herbs were relatively insignificant there during the organised by lhe NZ. Wildlife Service probably winter of 1966.
    [Show full text]
  • Code Sequence
    Code Sequence PART II: CODE SEQUENCE Discontinued codes are identified by a hyphen preceding the first letter in the code string. a Asia a-ccp Bo Hai (China) a-af Afghanistan a-ccs Xi River (China) a-ai Armenia (Republic) a-ccy Yellow River (China) a-aj Azerbaijan a-ce Sri Lanka a-ba Bahrain a-ch Taiwan a-bg Bangladesh a-cy Cyprus a-bn Borneo a-em East Timor a-br Burma a-gs Georgia (Republic) a-bt Bhutan -a-hk Hong Kong a-bx Brunei a-ii India a-cb Cambodia a-io Indonesia a-cc China a-iq Iraq a-cc-an Anhui Sheng (China) a-ir Iran a-cc-ch Zhejiang Sheng (China) a-is Israel a-cc-cq Chongqing (China) a-ja Japan a-cc-fu Fujian Sheng (China) a-jo Jordan a-cc-ha Hainan Sheng (China) a-kg Kyrgyzstan a-cc-he Heilongjiang Sheng (China) a-kn Korea (North) a-cc-hh Hubei Sheng (China) a-ko Korea (South) a-cc-hk Hong Kong (China) a-kr Korea a-cc-ho Henan Sheng (China) a-ku Kuwait a-cc-hp Hebei Sheng (China) a-kz Kazakhstan a-cc-hu Hunan Sheng (China) a-le Lebanon a-cc-im Inner Mongolia (China) a-ls Laos a-cc-ka Gansu Sheng (China) -a-mh Macao a-cc-kc Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu a-mk Oman (China) a-mp Mongolia a-cc-ki Jiangxi Sheng (China) a-my Malaysia a-cc-kn Guangdong Sheng (China) a-np Nepal a-cc-kr Jilin Sheng (China) a-nw New Guinea a-cc-ku Jiangsu Sheng (China) -a-ok Okinawa a-cc-kw Guizhou Sheng (China) a-ph Philippines a-cc-lp Liaoning Sheng (China) a-pk Pakistan a-cc-mh Macao (China : Special a-pp Papua New Guinea Administrative Region) -a-pt Portuguese Timor a-cc-nn Ningxia Huizu Zizhiqu (China) a-qa Qatar a-cc-pe Beijing (China) a-si Singapore
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Status of New Zealand Marine Mammals, 2019 Report
    2019 NEW ZEALAND THREAT CLASSIFICATION SERIES 29 Conservation status of New Zealand marine mammals, 2019 C.S. Baker, L. Boren, S. Childerhouse, R. Constantine, A. van Helden, D. Lundquist, W. Rayment and J.R. Rolfe Dedication This report is dedicated to the memory of Dr Rob Mattlin, a founding member of this Committee, who passed away in May 2019. Rob’s knowledge, insight and personality will be greatly missed by the Committee and by the marine mammals for which he was so passionate. Rob made New Zealand his home after leaving his native USA to undertake a PhD on New Zealand fur seals at Canterbury University. He proceeded to dedicate his life to marine science with a particular focus on marine mammals and spent most of his time based in New Zealand, apart from a role at the US Marine Mammal Commission. His contribution to our understanding of marine mammal biology and ecology and, in particular, his expertise in interactions with fisheries, was a key factor in achieving many positive outcomes for marine mammals in New Zealand. He made significant contributions to the conservation and management of both New Zealand sea lions and Hector’s dolphins. The Committee would like to recognise the unique balance of wisdom, humour, and tenacity that Rob brought to his work and hope that we can continue to match his enthusiasm and passion. Cover: The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population is recovering from perilously low numbers and is now assessed as At Risk – Recovering, an improvement on its previous Threatened status. Photo: Will Rayment.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring and Management of Kereru (Hemiphaga Novaeseelandiae)
    Monitoring and management of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TECHNICAL SERIES No. 15 Christine Mander, Rod Hay & Ralph Powlesland Published by Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10-420 Wellington, New Zealand 1 © October 1998, Department of Conservation ISSN 1172–6873 ISBN 0–478–21751–X Cataloguing-in-Publication data Mander, Christine J. Monitoring and management of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) / by Christine Mander, Rod Hay & Ralph Powlesland. Wellington, N.Z. : Dept. of Conservation, 1998. 1 v. ; 30 cm. (Department of Conservation technical series, 1172-6873 ; no. 15.) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 047821751X 1. New Zealand pigeon--Research. I. Hay, Rod, 1951- II. Powlesland, Ralph G. (Ralph Graham), 1952- III. Title. IV. Series: Department of Conservation technical series ; no. 15. 598.650993 20 zbn98-076230 2 CONTENTS Abstract 5 1. Introduction 5 2. Kereru 7 2.1 Taxonomy 7 2.2 Appearance 7 2.3 Home range and movements 7 2.4 Diet 8 2.5 Breeding 11 3. History of decline 12 4. Review of population studies 13 5. Perceived threats 14 5.1 Predation 14 5.2 Loss and degradation of lowland forest habitat 14 5.3 Illegal hunting 15 5.4 Collisions with motor vehicles and windows 15 5.5 Harassment 15 5.6 Disturbance 15 6. The National Kereru monitoring programme 16 6.1 Objectives 16 6.2 Duties of the National Co-ordinator 16 6.3 Outputs 16 6.4 Relationships with other programmes 16 7. Key sites for monitoring 17 8. Monitoring methods 18 8.1 General points 18 8.2 Monitoring protocol 19 8.3 Preferred monitoring methods 20 8.3.1 Five-minute counts with distance estimates 20 8.3.2 Display flight monitoring from vantage points 22 8.4 Other monitoring methods 22 8.4.1 Census counts from vantage points 22 8.4.2 Transect counts 24 8.5 Options for monitoring kereru in very small forest patches 25 9.
    [Show full text]
  • GNS Science Report 2013/46
    BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE Rose, J., Zemansky, G. 2013. Potential effects of volcanic activity on level and quality of associated groundwater, GNS Science Report 2013/46. 22 p. J. Rose, GNS Science, Private Bag 2000, Taupo 3352 (current address: 4544 County Road 25 SW, Hoffman, Minnesota, USA 56339). G. Zemansky, GNS Science, Private Bag 2000, Taupo 3352 (current address: Prime Hydrogeology Ltd., 119 Lakewood Drive, Taupo) © Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited, 2013 ISSN 1177-2425 ISBN 978-1-972192-93-1 CONTENTS ABSTRACT ...........................................................................................................................II KEYWORDS .......................................................................................................................... II 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................. 2 2.1 Groundwater Level Monitoring Around Volcanoes ........................................................ 2 2.2 Groundwater Chemistry Monitoring Around Volcanoes ................................................ 3 3.0 EXISTING MONITORING DATASETS WITHIN NEW ZEALAND ............................... 6 3.1 Ruapehu ........................................................................................................................ 6 3.1.1 Well Information................................................................................................
    [Show full text]