Our third batch of kelpings, “planted” out six weeks ago, are doing really well. After doing a site preparation and kina removal session our team of volunteers carefully placed each of the 250 green gravel pebbles in nooks and crannies on the rocky reef substrate of Phillip Island in Tutukaka Harbour. This time around we decided to place the green gravel in small groups close together, rather than spreading them out over a larger area. This seems to have paid off as the kelplings are looking happy and have more than quadrupled in size in their first six weeks. They have survived several winter storm surges and lots of wave action, with only a few pebbles being dislodged from the reef onto the sand. We’ll be gently moving them back onto suitable reef areas over the coming weekend. We are also working hard on getting our Church Bay Kelp growing lab ready and hope to have our first batch of kelplings growing in August. Once again we want to thank all our funders, volunteers and our amazing Massey University collaborators for all your support.
Te Wairua O Te Moananui 