PROJECTS /
New Tech for a Prickly Problem
Project Summary
High resolution 3D models used to monitor impact
Multiple monitoring sites in Northern Aotearoa
Photo Credit / Arie Spyksma
TRACKING THE RAPID EXPANSION OF CENTROSTEPHANUS
Marine life in Northern Aotearoa New Zealand is under threat with the sub-tropical long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) rapidly taking over, mowing down kelp forests which are home for many important species.
With climate change warming waters that would have previously been uninhabitable to Centrostephanus, and without major predators like large snapper and crayfish to keep them in check, this species is thriving.
Dr Arie Spyksma is harnessing the power of Seascape technology to capture high-resolution 3D models of the seafloor, giving researchers and decision-makers a clearer understanding of the impact this is having on key marine ecosystems.
“The combination of robust and timely scientific data and powerful visual comparisons can aid our decision makers to better understand the gravity of the situation our marine environments are currently faced with.”
Arie Spyksma
University of Auckland
Arie has extensively monitored several sites including Cape Brett, the Hen and Chicken Islands, the Alderman Islands and the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to better understand the impact of Centrostephanus on marine ecosystems and has been involved in trial removals of this species from the Poor Knights Islands to understand recovery.
“Our comprehensive Centrostephanus surveys are revealing a clear pattern of impact where areas most influenced by the warmer East Auckland current are those most impacted by these urchins. However, there are encouraging signs of recovery from the trial removals we carried out at the Poor Knights, and after 12 months there has been a marked increase in kelp and encrusting life in the areas where the urchins were removed.” – Arie Spyksma
HEADING
SUBHEADING
of these birds are being lost each year
Threat is longline fishing
of these birds are being lost each year
of these birds are being lost each year
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Arie is hoping to continue to expand the scale and use of photogrammetry as a popular tool for marine science as well as further understanding the impacts and potential management of Centrostephanus within New Zealand marine environments before it’s too late.
“My hope is that this research drives action against climate-induced threats to our marine ecosystems. The combination of robust and timely scientific data and powerful visual comparisons can aid our decision makers to better understand the gravity of the situation our marine environments are currently faced with.” – Arie Spyksma
Timeline
1994
Heading
Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2006
Heading
Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2019
Heading
Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2020
Heading
Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2024
Heading
Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Learn about the issue, talk to friends, politicians, restaurants and supermarkets.
- Start asking for albatross-safe tuna to show your concern.
- Be discerning. Support fishers using albatross-safe fishing methods.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Dr Arie Spyksma
RESEARCH FELLOW, UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Arie is a Research Fellow at the Leigh Marine Laboratory where he focuses on leveraging new and emerging technologies for improving ecosystem monitoring and scientific visualisation.
Arie’s PhD research focused on trophic interactions within rocky reef systems and at present he is working on monitoring and understanding ecosystem threats associated with warming water temperatures across north-eastern New Zealand.
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