Shellfish reefs, once extensive in Aotearoa New Zealand, make a significant contribution to the health and resilience of our coastal ecosystems, which have high cultural, social, economic and environmental value. The endemic green-lipped mussel (kūtai/Perna canaliculus), once widespread in New Zealand, is now restricted to the aquaculture industry and small remnant natural reefs due to overharvesting and drastic habitat changes over the past century. Using a novel interdisciplinary and inter-organisational approach, we have been working to restore mussel reefs in New Zealand. Traditional iwi groups, community groups, industry, and management parties integrate with the science to tackle the challenges of shellfish restoration work from a community and management perspective and create a successful restoration group and, most importantly, restored shellfish beds. Our research includes providing the underpinning science needed for successful restorations, the multiple and often hidden ecosystem services that restoration provides, and the development of novel low-cost techniques to assist and increase the success of present and future restoration efforts. Our globally novel research has so far found that restored mussel reefs are successful in enhancing denitrification, especially in sandier habitats, and increased key fisheries and epifauna species.

Primary Presenter: Jenny Hillman, University of Auckland (j.hillman@auckland.ac.nz)

Authors:

Jenny Hillman, University of Auckland  (j.hillman@auckland.ac.nz)

Andrew Jeffs, University of Auckland  ()

Simon Thrush, University of Auckland  ()