Marine Science and Matauranga Maori Introduction

Introduction by Kura, Marine Science Professor at the University of Waikato

• Presentation begins with a personal connection to the audience and a brief introduction of her origins and cultural background.

Mātauranga Māori and Marine Science

• Focus on integrating Māori knowledge with scientific research.

• Key concepts defined:

  • Mana: The prestige or authority behind a person or group.

  • Tapu and Noa:

    • Tapu: Sacred, often related to environmental restrictions (e.g., pollution).

    • Noa: Common, referring to a state where restrictions no longer apply.

  • Mauri: The life force central to living beings.

Research focus: Ohiwa Harbour

• Description of Ohiwa Harbour, its history, and tribal significance.

• Historical context:

  • Originally a food basket with rich mussel populations.

  • Decline in green-lipped mussel populations due to various factors (e.g., sedimentation after flooding, overharvesting).

• Use of traditional knowledge to investigate the decline:

  • Engaging elders to gather multi-generational insights on mussel habitats.

Initial Research Questions

• Restoring mussel populations through sustainable methods:

  • Can mussel recruitment be supported?

  • Can traditional genetic lines be maintained?

  • Could biodiversity be enhanced through restoration activities?

Restoration Efforts

• Implementation of restoration stations to facilitate mussel growth.

• Traditional materials (biodegradable) used for mussel farms, experimenting with various plant materials and their effectiveness.

• Significant types used included: Flax, cabbage tree leaves impacting environmental improvements and sustainability.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

• Overview of prevalent issues:

  • Substantial amounts of plastic pollution affecting marine life and ecosystems.

  • Mussels as filter feeders accumulating microplastics posing food chain risks.

Outcomes and Findings

• Introduction of biodegradable mussel lines resulted in successful spat attachment, leading to increased mussel populations.

• Significant findings included:

  • 57 times more biodiversity on biodegradable lines than traditional plastic lines.

  • From under 80,000 mussels in 2019 to nearly 800,000 by 2021 following restoration initiatives.

  • Notably, management of predator species (sea stars) was essential for supporting mussel recoveries.

Biodiversity Considerations

• Management of balance between mussels and their natural predators, ensuring ecosystem health.

• Engagement with the community and youth for ecological awareness and future conservation efforts.

Future Directions and Applications

• Exploration of potential product development from sea stars (e.g., hand creams) for funding and sustainable management of the harbour's ecosystems.

• Long-term goals aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and educating future generations on sustainable practices.

Closing Discussion

• Encouragement of engagement from participants in discussions about the questions raised during the presentation.

• Additional cultural considerations and the importance of incorporating Māori perspectives into environmental science are highlighted.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on safeguarding marine environments for future generations, highlighting the interconnectedness of knowledge diversity and ecological health.