2014–2019 research

During 2014–2019 (Phase I), we increased our knowledge about our coasts and oceans, produced new tools for marine management, built relationships with stakeholders and Māori partners, and developed the concept of EBM for Aotearoa.

Frameworks for achieving and maintaining social licence

We investigated the use of the term ‘social licence’ in Aotearoa New Zealand and what factors influence social licence.

Creating value from a blue economy

We studied initiatives to create economic value from sustainable marine activities that are based on healthy ecosystems. We used the findings to map and model a blue economy.

Ocean acidification mitigation strategies for the mussel industry

We tested techniques to raise the pH of coastal waters around mussel farms to improve shellfish growth.

Re-use of offshore infrastructure and platforms: assessing value to communities, industry and the environment

We investigated the regulatory, social, economic and environmental considerations relating to decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure in Taranaki, New Zealand.

Huataukīna tō iwi e: Developing marine bioactives from kina

We worked collaboratively with hapū in Tairāwhiti to develop bioactives from kina.

Defining rocky reef tipping points associated with the Kaikōura earthquake

We investigated the recovery and resilience of kelp forests associated with the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.

Whai Rawa, Whai Mana, Whai Oranga: Creating a world-leading indigenous blue economy

This research built a foundation for a world-leading indigenous blue economy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Early detection of harmful algal blooms

We trialled two innovative technologies to detect and monitor harmful algal blooms in coastal waters

Forecasting contamination risk for shellfish harvest and beach use

We have developed a near real-time forecasting tool for Tasman and Golden Bays to help predict when aquaculture sites and beaches are safe to access.

Energy from tidal currents - Kick-starting a new marine industry with huge potential

We investigated whether generating electricity from the strong tidal currents within Cook Strait is viable for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Measuring ecosystem services and assessing impacts

We developed new ways to measure and map the ecosystem services provided by marine ecosystems.

Testing participatory processes for marine management

We identified the best ways to involve interested parties in decision-making about the governance and management of marine environments.

Repository of knowledge: mātauranga Māori

We investigated the concept of a digital repository to manage mātauranga Māori gathered by the Challenge.

EBM-enabling narratives for New Zealand

This project developed multimedia resources that can be used to explore what EBM for Aotearoa New Zealand looks like now, and how it could look in the future.

Tipping points in ecosystem structure, function and services

We investigated how marine ecosystems respond to change, and identified tipping points, risks and ways of managing them.

Ecosystem models

We developed simulation models for the Tasman and Golden Bays marine ecosystem to test what is likely to happen in different scenarios.

Participatory tools

We are developing web-based tools to enable New Zealanders to interact with and use knowledge generated by our research.

Enabling inter-agency collaboration on cumulative effects

We produced guiding principles to help decision-makers manage the cumulative effects of human activities and natural events on the marine environment.

Participatory processes for marine ecosystem restoration

We examined how the Kaituna River re-diversion strategy was developed, to identify success factors in stakeholder and iwi engagement that could be applied in other marine resource contexts.

Navigating marine social-ecological systems

We aimed to identify and/or improve our understanding of institutional, social and cultural factors that need to be incorporated into EBM for it to be successfully used to manage Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine resources.

Development of valuation frameworks and principles

We identified frameworks and principles for recognising the multiple values of the marine environment to support EBM.

What could EBM look like in Tasman and Golden Bays?

We are investigating how to successfully put EBM into practice in Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine environment.

EBM within Aotearoa New Zealand’s existing legislative framework

We investigated how well EBM aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand’s legislation, policy and governance relating to the marine environment.

Incorporation of indigenous approaches to guardianship in Canada

We evaluated how indigenous approaches have been incorporated into Canada’s marine resource management policies.

Defining marine habitat use by seabirds

We investigated whether a range of different mathematical models accurately reflect seasonal seabird distributions in Aotearoa New Zealand waters.

Novel risk assessment tools for EBM

We are reviewing new methods to help assess and manage risks to Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine ecosystems.

Spatially-explicit decision support tools

We developed tools to help decision-makers explore how best to use and share marine spaces.

Estimating historic effects from sedimentation and fishing

We are investigating how historical and contemporary changes to sedimentation and bottom contact fishing may influence fisheries in Tasman Bay.

Quantifying marine biodiversity using environmental DNA

We have developed an innovative way to detect species in the sea using environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from water samples.

Sediment tolerance and mortality thresholds of benthic habitats

We investigated the effects that suspended sediment from human activities has on the health and survival of deep water species in the South Taranaki Bight.

Submarine canyons: connecting coastal and deep-sea ecosystems

We investigated how well submarine canyons transport materials from the land into deeper waters surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand.

Stressor footprints and dynamics

We investigated how coastal waters and oceans mix and transport materials that can stress marine ecosystems.

Ecosystem connectivity: tracking biochemical fluxes to inform EBM

We traced the fate of water and sediments from land through coastal food webs, evaluating connections between coastal and deep sea habitats, and identified the effects of key coastal developments (such as aquaculture) on food web connectivity.

Whaia te Mana Māori Whakahaere Tōtika ki Tangaroa – in pursuit of Māori governance jurisdiction models over marine resources

We explored and developed innovative governance tools for the marine environment while enhancing relationships between Māori, the Government and industry.

Tūhonohono: tikanga Māori me te Ture Pākehā ki Takutai Moana

We investigated how mātauranga and tikanga Māori and New Zealand law can be applied in the marine estate.

Tāhuhu Matatau Te Ao Tangaroa: Empowering the kaitiaki of Ngā Whare Tokotoru ki Katikati with mātauranga from Aotearoa and beyond

We collaborated with Māori communities to review scientific information that may support the expression of kaitiakitanga and other kaupapa tuku iho linked with the domain of Tangaroa.

He Pou Tokomanawa: kaitiakitanga in practice in our marine environment

We developed a culturally-relevant pathway to enable mana whenua iwi to evaluate and contribute to management of Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine environment.

Hui-te-ana-nui: Understanding kaitiakitanga in our marine environment

We have examined mātauranga Māori associated with the marine environment by analysing key texts, historical archives, literature, reports and legislation.

New blue economy in Kaikōura: a participatory process approach

This project aims to help the Kaikōura community and businesses build a sustainable blue economy as they recover from the 2016 earthquakes.

Mauri Moana, Mauri Tangata, Mauri Ora

We explored ways to assess the values New Zealanders hold for the marine environment.