Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society

About us

The Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society was formed in 1997 to promote the idea of a network of small reserves on the Taranaki coast. The society is made up of locals who are interested in the study and preservation of local coastal and marine areas. To date the society has successfully initiated the establishment of the Tapuae Marine Reserve and continues to survey and study the marine life of the Taranaki coast. We and our local communities are invovled in some exciting projects which provide volunteering and education opportunities
Objectives of the Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society Incorporated
  • To establish a network of marine reserves in the Taranaki Regiono
  • To ensure the marine life and other natural resources in the region are protectedo
  • To encourage the scientific study of marine life on the Taranaki coasto
  • To foster community awareness of the coastal environment by education
Taranaki has two marine reserves, Parininihi in the north, and Tapuae near New Plymouth. These 'no-take' reserves have the purpose of scientific research. The Sugar Loaf Marine Protected Area (SLIMPA) which protects the seabed, and has specific fishing regulations adjoins Tapaue.

Projects

Experiencing Marine Reserves
This is a national program coordinated by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust with the purpose of "providing schools and their communities with the expertise and knowledge to experience their local marine environment first-hand, leading to local communities understanding marine conservation issues in their local area and fostering kaitiakitanga".
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Kororā kōrero
How are the Little Blue Penguins / Kororā manging in Taranaki ? We run a commuity monitoring programme to survey the penguin population, and nest boxes. We have a videos and educational resoureces to share.
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Our Coastal Backyard
The Society has been working with schools and and marine experts to find out more about our coasta and marine life. What lives in our coastal backyard? We have many resources from our Curious Minds Projects to share, 'Project Hotspot' and 'Is the world changing below the waves?'
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