Scientific research that supports sustainable use and conservation of marine species and ecosystem.
Greater scientific understanding of marine ecosystems is critical to halt the loss of key values and ecosystem services provided by our oceans. We are developing scientific tools and understanding to support the conservation and long-term sustainable use of marine ecosystems and resources.
Researchers
- Professor Steve Dawson
- Associate Professor Chris Hepburn
- Associate Professor Will Rayment
- Associate Professor Candida Savage
- Professor Abby Smith
- Dr Lucy Wing
- Professor Stephen Wing
- Professor Liz Slooten
Publications for the above researchers can be found at the bottom of their academic profile page.
Research projects
Fisheries restoration: Restoration of fisheries using seed from aquaculture and reseeding techniques that uses ecology, matauranga māori (traditional ecological knowledge) and genetic techniques to track populations and maximize success. Chris Hepburn
Integrated multitrophic aquaculture: Development of technology and ecological solutions to integrate aquaculture production systems to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Chris Hepburn, Candida Savage. Stephen Wing
Customary Fisheries: Providing ecological information to complement local knowledge to enable community-based management of coastal fisheries. We work closely with managers of customary fishery areas (mātaitai and taiāpure) that have been established to allow Māori communities to exercise kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over fisheries that have provided sustenance for their people for many generations. Chris Hepburn, Derek Richards, Stephen Wing
Conservation Biology of Hector's dolphin: This long-term research programme (1984-present) has provided much of the information underpinning the current conservation measures for Hector's dolphins. Current fieldwork focuses on ongoing studies of survival rate and reproduction. Steve Dawson, Liz Slooten, Will Rayment
Ecology and Conservation biology of Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: Current fieldwork focuses on understanding causes of recent declines and on quantifying effects of tourism. Steve Dawson, Liz Slooten, Will Rayment
Recovery and recolonisation by southern right whales: Southern right whales were driven to the brink of extinction in NZ by commercial whaling. We are monitoring their recovery by investigating population parameters in the Auckland Islands, the primary calving habitat in NZ, and using data on habitat preferences to predict potential overlap with anthropogenic impacts around the mainland. Steve Dawson, Liz Slooten, Will Rayment
Opportunities
We have the resources , scholarships , staff and opportunities you need to reach your goals. Please refer to each staff members profile for research and study options.
