Our three interconnected workstreams
Case studies
Resources
Assessing potential recovery solutions to shift from kina barrens to kelp forests
This report assesses restoration of kelp forests from kina barrens, highlighting the need for predator recovery and engaged management practices.
Introduction to Kina Barrens and Kelp Forest Restoration
Kelp forests, critical for marine biodiversity, are threatened by kina barrens, areas devoid of macroalgae due to kina overgrazing. This report explores the issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, where shifts from kelp forests to kina barrens have dramatically affected coastal reefs. Management interventions leveraging existing knowledge are needed to mitigate these shifts. Workshops conducted with various stakeholders, including scientists, Fisheries New Zealand, and Tangata Whenua, aimed to understand the dynamics driving kina barrens. They also intended to develop a model for informed decision-making to support marine ecosystem recovery.
Detailed Analysis of Management Strategies
Consensus among stakeholders recognised large predator depletion, particularly snapper and crayfish, as the main driver for kina barrens, necessitating their recovery for restoring kelp forests. The study utilised a Bayesian Network model, formed through knowledge shared in workshops, to simulate scenarios for potential management outcomes. With cultural values considered, the model examined outcomes of various interventions, like fisheries closures or bespoke management approaches involving Māori. Key findings stressed that proactive measures like predator increase and kina culling, supported by ongoing Tangata Whenua engagement, show promise for kelp recovery.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The study suggests that data gaps should not delay management decisions for addressing kina barrens. Implementing current knowledge-based strategies can facilitate recovery of kelp forests and biodiversity benefits. These strategies include establishing marine reserves, engaging with Tangata Whenua for customary management, and active interventions such as kina removal. Future recommendations focus on updating models to reflect more localised management needs, continuous engagement with Māori, and investing in research to refine understanding of various stressors to these ecosystems.
Key insights
Large predator abundance is key to kelp forest recovery
The consensus among experts is the decline of large predators such as snapper and crayfish critically contributes to the overpopulation of kina. Restoring these predator populations is acknowledged as a pivotal step towards reversing the widespread kina barrens and fostering kelp forest recuperation.
Bayesian Network modelling informs ecosystem management
The developed Bayesian Network model is valuable for stakeholders to visualise repercussions of various interventions on marine ecosystems. Scenarios played out in the model help predict the impact of different management strategies, aiding transparent and collaborative decision-making.
Collaboration with indigenous communities is essential
Engagement with Tangata Whenua has been integral, not only in understanding the ecological shifts but also in identifying culturally sustainable management plans. Their contribution ensures that any proposed actions are respectful of traditional values and practices, facilitating community-supported conservation.
Resources and Links
Related research documents:
Title and summary
Topics covered
Knowledge guiding change.
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
