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environment watch Seabirds of the hauraki gulf BY JEFF COOK W the toxicity increases (a process called hether people are in search The photographer was unable to capture this bio-accumulation) and become harmful of a boisterous bottlenose, oystercatcher and found it dead with line still tangled around both legs a few months later meals for all animals within the food majestic mammal or even chain, including the likes of us! some tasty tarahiki for their dinner Rest assured it's not all doom and plates, New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf gloom, with enterprises such as Treasure Marine Park boasts an extravaganza of Islands (a campaign run jointly by the wildlife to quench everybody's thirst Auckland Council and Department of for adventure. However, what many Conservation) working tirelessly to of us don't realise is that we share promote and protect the Hauraki Gulf this playground with 25 percent of the and its islands. planet's seabird species, who all use With a strong focus on biosecurity, the gulf and its islands as foraging and PHOTOGRAPHER: MARIE-LOUISE WARD this initiative is rooted in early pest breeding grounds. management implemented throughout the 1990s. Auckland For at least five of these species (including the recently Council and the Department of Conservation together with their re-discovered New Zealand storm petrel), the gulf is the only respective biosecurity teams, not only implement regular surveys spot on earth reserved for such a privilege. In fact, the discovery and ongoing monitoring for the usual suspects (rats, stoats, in January of this endangered petrel's breeding spot on Little possums) but also have brought a new meaning to the term Barrier Island provided just the resurgence needed in the drive "sniffer dog", with their pet pooches who are specially trained to to raise awareness of seabirds as crucial ecosystem indicators of sniff out rats and even Argentine ants. health and change in the marine environment. Successful initiatives of the campaign include the "PestA number of challenges are faced by our seabirds, particularly free warrant" which acts as a biosecurity accreditation for as a result of various industry activities which can be minimised commercial vessel operators, marinas and any other business with a bit of knowledge and a dash of "Kiwi ingenuity". associated with islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Once certified, a Introduced predators such as rats and Argentine ants are clever business will appear on the "biosecurity friendly list" and have little stowaways that can pack a mighty punch on eggs and chicks free use of the Pest-free warrant logo, both of which provide when they get onto the islands. Marine pollutants from storm peace of mind for any ecologically savvy clientele wishing to water including plastics and toxins can result in entanglement, engage with the business. ingestion and death out at sea. And while it's easy to attribute Pest-free islands give our seabirds a fighting chance at the bulk of inevitable bycatch to commercial fisheries, the surviving the gauntlet of the gulf, however there is so much accumulative impact of non-commercial fishing on endangered more that can be done by all of us to protect these birds and seabirds such as the black petrel is severely underestimated, with resources that are so richly embedded in our history and culture. a survey taken in 2010 conservatively estimating that 11,500 Remains of sub-tidal mussel beds are currently being sought seabirds are accidentally captured each year in the northeastern out within the gulf, and fishermen, divers and boaties are being region alone. asked to help with the hunt. These muddy, sandy habitats provide Less evident threats to seabirds (yet no less significant), come resources for the entire ecosystem and are capable of supporting in the form of heavy metals such as copper, found in almost an abundance of species (including our much loved snapper), all antifouling paints. A recent report of copper levels in the which ultimately equates to better fishing for all. Auckland harbour found concentrations in excess of acceptable For more information on the Treasure Islands initiative and water quality guidelines and attributed the leaching of vessel what you can do to help protect these taonga of the sea, visit hull paint as a major contributing source. Once these metals the website: www.treasureislands.co.nz find their way into marine organisms in the Hauraki Gulf, Treasure islands Check for stowaways PLEASE www.skipper.co.nz www.treasureislands.co.nz www.projectislandsong.co.nz CHECK YOUR BOAT AND GEAR FOR RATS, MICE, ARGENTINE ANTS, RAINBOW SKINKS, SOIL AND SEEDS SET BAIT OR TRAPS FOR ANIMAL PESTS REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS TO 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) July/August 2013 Professional Skipper 63