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Protecting the Moana

One Project at a Time

Projects

From cutting-edge scientific research to hands-on conservation initiatives, Live Ocean is dedicated to safeguarding marine ecosystems. Discover the range of projects we’re supporting to protect and restore the health of the ocean for future generations.

Tracking the Tākoketai

SCIENCE

The Tākoketai black petrel, is a taonga species found only in New Zealand. Each year, these ocean voyagers travel thousands of kilometres across the Pacific, yet return to breed on just two small islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Aotea Great Barrier Island

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Tracking the Tākoketai

The Tākoketai black petrel, is a taonga species found only in New Zealand. Each year, these ocean voyagers travel thousands of kilometres across the Pacific, yet return to breed on just two small islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Aotea Great Barrier Island

Hidden World of Hector’s & Māui Dolphins

Innovative science is uncovering the hidden lives of the world’s rarest dolphins to better protect them in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Clifford and Cloudy Bay

Citizens of the Sea

A new citizen science initiative is empowering sailors to map marine biodiversity and ocean health in the Pacific, equipping blue-water sailors with the latest technology to gather important data while at sea.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Pacific Ocean

Marine Metre²

With rapid change being observed in marine ecosystems around Aotearoa, connecting communities and young people with their local coastline can empower them to act as ocean champions for their seashore and the life in it.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Detecting Caulerpa

An innovative project aiming to develop a low-cost ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) tool which can be adopted by iwi and local communities for detecting both Caulerpa and other invasive species.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Northern Aotearoa

New Tech for a Prickly Problem

Marine life in Northern 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.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Northern Aotearoa

Rere Tahi Fly Together

Knowledge and appreciation of our history is critical in rebuilding our connection with the ocean. By learning about those who crossed the ocean before us we can restore and protect it for future generations.

Project Status:

Completed

Location:

Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands

Māra Moana

Science, iwi, charity and sport have come together in effort to restore climate resilient kelp in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour

Uncovering the Mystery of Te Whai Rahi

Globally, te whai rahi oceanic manta rays are endangered with some populations in serious decline, but here in New Zealand we simply don’t know enough about how these impressive ocean voyagers are faring in a rapidly changing ocean.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

North Island

Seascape

Seascape is a photogrammetry innovation being pioneered by New Zealand Geographic. It aims to transform our understanding of the marine realm through better visualisations and more accurate science.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Restoring Flourishing Coastal Ecosystems

Kelp is vital for ocean ecosystems to flourish, creating habitats for marine life and is hugely efficient at fixing carbon. However, many coastlines which were once home to vast forests of kelp, now lie bare, thriving reef ecosystems replaced by kina (sea urchin) barrens.  

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Understanding Kelp & Carbon

Kelp forests provide important stores of carbon, yet the long-term fate of this carbon is unknown. Answering this question is crucial in order to understand the role of kelp forests in climate change mitigation, and to quantify and value blue carbon.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Project Kahurangi

Imagery is vital to make ocean conservation messaging resonate. Project Kahurangi is a powerful resource, giving conservation groups across Aotearoa access to over a thousand compelling photos and videos.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Voyages of the Tohorā

This sentinel species for climate change was once decimated by whaling. These now recovering gentle giants face a new threat, the changing ocean.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Sub Antarctic Auckland Islands

Songs of the Sea

An innovative multi-media series that uses archival photography, film and audio to tell personal stories of Tīkapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf’s past abundance, and highlight what has been lost.

Project Status:

Completed

Location:

Hauraki Gulf

Te Toki Voyaging Trust

We’ve teamed up with Te Toki Voyaging Trust to highlight traditional voyaging as a vehicle through which mātauranga (knowledge) can join with western science to create a culture of caring for the environment and sustaining people.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide

Toroa Antipodean Albatross

These great ocean voyagers are the most threatened group of birds in the world with 15 out of 22 species facing extinction. Their main threat is accidental capture by long-line fishing vessels. Unless we act immediately, we could lose this amazing birds.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Sub Antarctic Antipodes Islands

Taringa Buoys that Listen

This innovative project brings together existing work by leading New Zealand underwater acoustic technology company, Ocean Instruments, with marine and machine learning scientists from the University of Auckland and Ocean Acoustics.

Project Status:

Completed

Location:

Nationwide

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