Seagrass Conservation in Te Tau Ihu – Love Rimurimu Programme

We’re excited to announce that our Love Rimurimu programme has officially launched in Whakatū! In collaboration with Cawthron Institute, Nayland College and Friends of the Haven, students are now exploring the unique marine ecosystems of Waimea Inlet.

Love Rimurimu Programme in Nelson
Ākonga documented quadrats placed over seagrass beds, assessing percent coverage with precision and attention to detail.

Recently, 21 Nayland College students studied seagrass meadows at Tāhunanui Beach as part of this hands-on learning experience. Guided by Cawthron marine ecologist Dan Crossett, students measured seagrass cover and flowering while learning about its essential role in carbon storage, water filtration, and providing habitat for marine life. Despite being right on Nelson’s doorstep, seagrass meadows are often overlooked but are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The LRR delivery included a visit to Cawthron’s National Algae Research Centre (NARC)

Given Nelson’s limited seaweed presence, we adapted Love Rimurimu to focus on seagrass restoration. We’re also excited to work with Ngāti Tama and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia te Matangi’s EMR delivery next term, which will introduce students to seagrass ecology. Ngāti Tama has already participated in fieldwork with Cawthron, integrating mātauranga Māori into the programme to enrich the learning experience.

Ākonga set up transects carefully, ensuring accurate monitoring and data collection in the seagrass meadow.

As the seagrass flowering season is underway, Cawthron and TBG have organised a community seed collection day. Collected seeds will be propagated at Cawthron’s National Algae Research Centre (NARC) as part of Cawthron’s multi-year Restore the Meadows project. This initiative aims to develop large-scale seagrass restoration techniques, focusing on seed-based methods such as collecting, processing, storing, and germinating seeds.

The LRR delivery included a visit to Cawthron’s National Algae Research Centre (NARC)

A huge mihi to Rātā Foundation and Wai Connection for supporting this vital mahi. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into this exciting journey of conservation, science, and community action! 

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