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Habitats and Ecological Values of the Hokianga ... - MarineNZ.org.nz

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R.J. DAVIDSON: V. KERR<br />

HABITATS AND ECOLOGICAL VALUES OF HOKIANGA HARBOUR<br />

There are isolated reef habitats located within <strong>the</strong> main reach <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Harbour, however, <strong>the</strong> largest<br />

single area is located from <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn head to Opononi (approximately 5 km). This area is<br />

subjected to relatively strong tidal currents <strong>and</strong> is permanently subtidal. This subtidal area has not<br />

been surveyed, but it probably supports a variety <strong>of</strong> resident reef fish species. Apart from periods<br />

when migrating fish would be located temporarily within it, this type <strong>of</strong> marine reserve would only<br />

protect resident reef fish species. It would, however, protect a <strong>the</strong> benthic community dominated by<br />

relatively sessile or immobile species such as crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, algae, sponges<br />

<strong>and</strong> smaller fish such as triplefins. This are has relatively good water visibility <strong>and</strong> at particular<br />

times <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tide could be studied by science divers to determine <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> reservation.<br />

Wildlife Management Reserve<br />

A Wildlife Management Reserve would protect <strong>the</strong> intertidal <strong>and</strong> subtidal habitats, but could allow<br />

for many existing human uses such as fishing <strong>and</strong> water-fowl hunting. For this reason it is <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

seen as beneficial top <strong>the</strong> local community as it keeps <strong>the</strong> Harbour <strong>the</strong> same, but allows for<br />

traditional activities that do not damage <strong>the</strong> habitat to occur.<br />

Protection example 3:<br />

A Wildlife Management Reserve implemented over <strong>the</strong> entire inlet would protect all intertidal <strong>and</strong><br />

subtidal habitats from activities such as marine farming, reclamation <strong>and</strong> substrate extraction.<br />

Should this option be selected it is recommended that <strong>the</strong> reserve accommodate traditional activities<br />

such as water-fowl hunting <strong>and</strong> recreational fishing.<br />

Protection example 4:<br />

A Wildlife Management Reserve could be implemented in conjunction with one or more smaller<br />

marine reserve areas. Marine reserve areas would have specific ecological goals <strong>and</strong> objective such<br />

as protection <strong>of</strong> fish or sensitive marsh birds.<br />

PAGE 28 3/06/2005 DAVIDSON ENVIRONMENTAL LTD 389/2001

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