Cheltenham Beach community based monitoring since 1992

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Introduction In NZ, tuangi are kai moana, wild seafood, harvested for centuries. In 1992, on city beach of Cheltenham, the shellfish stock appeared to collapse. People blamed overhavesting. New knowledge & practices needed.

tiles created by local potter & set into footpath along beachfront

Method Volunteers sampled stations on transects of beach & counted shellfish found

Results Large sizes of shellfish absent but a new recruitment found. Their growth was followed for 2.5 years (roll mouse over image on right)

Discussion Locals hope shellfish bed will recover.

Conclusion Rahui (harvesting ban) set in place. The community continues sampling, now on a yearly basis since 1994. Most recent results are available from CBC Most recent results are available from community group

• review of project by Seakeepers • number of shellfish harvesting bans trebled by2005 • role of rahui in conservation management