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Johannes is studying for an MSc in conservation biology at the School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University, Wellington. He is studying the ecology, breeding biology and conservation status of the South Georgian Diving Petrel (Pelecanoides georgicus). The South Georgian Diving Petrel is listed as nationally critical and is the sole Procellariiformid seabird in New Zealand that only breeds in sand dunes. If that is not enough to spike your interest; it might also be an undescribed, cryptic species!

The only extant population of South Georgian Diving Petrels in New Zealand is located at Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), off Stewart Island. Invasive predators have been removed from Codfish Island more than a decade ago, but the population does not appear to be increasing in size. Vegetation encroachment and erosion have been put forward as potential hypotheses for the lack of population growth. Therefore, the focus of the study is to assess the nest site selection of South Georgian Diving Petrels at Codfish Island. Habitat selection is an important part of ecological research.  Understanding if and why species prefer certain habitats and avoid others is crucial to successful conservation management. Through this research dune management may be implemented specifically to aid the South Georgian Diving Petrels on Codfish Island.

Stay tuned for further updates from Johannes.

Every two years, the National Wetland Trust organises a gathering of community groups, landowners, iwi, scientists, wetland managers and students who are interested in sharing and learning about wetland restoration. Usually spread over three days, the symposia include field trips, practical training opportunities, soapbox sessions and presentations from a wide range of enthusiasts and professionals.

Check out the website for the proceedings of this year’s conference, some of which have a coastal theme.

Our trustee Rodney’s description of the situation. Here the article he is referring to:

Drone reveals Christchurch quake damage in Sumner and Taylors Mistake

The critically endangered fairy tern could disappear from the Mangawhai harbour in Northland if a local group keeps removing mangroves, conservationists say.

The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society was given consent to clear some mangroves from the middle of the harbour in 2012, and earlier this month they announced plans to remove more.

The fairy tern is New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird with half of its 10 breeding pairs living in Mangawhai, and the restoration society’s plans put the birds at risk, said Forest and Bird’s seabird conservation advocate Karen Baird.

The birds nest on the beach and forage for small fish called ‘gobies’ that live in the mangroves, to feed themselves and their chicks.

A public meeting is being held in Mangawhai on March the 19th to discuss future plans for the harbour.

For the full story go here.

A new web-based resource to help people explore, monitor and restore our country’s estuaries is now available.

The resource has three interactive maps, which show places of interest as well as sites where management agencies and local estuary care groups are active.

The web pages are supported by resources for groups, schools and families. One of the maps illustrates opportunities to explore estuaries on foot, by bike and in kayaks. A social media page showcases what’s happening around the country and promotes the use of the #OurEstuaries hashtag.

Explore the web resource on www.doc.govt.nz/estuaries or email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] to contribute to this living resource.

Read the full story here.