Chairman's Report 2023

 Hello-Kia Ora,

The Mohua Marine Trust is now about three years into our mission. We plan to install artificial reefs in Onekaka for a start, and in other places after that, to help rehabilitate the marine habitat in Mohua/Golden Bay.

National and international research shows that artificial reefs are the way to go. When we succeed here we’ll be able show that degraded habitat can be brought back to abundance. Abundant habitat is good news for recreational, customary and commercial fishers.

Since our last AGM we have upgraded our website, appointed a new trustee, reached out to more key players and also now own/have an underwater/submersible drone gifted from our patron; (thank you Clive Barker).

Nationally, the idea of artificial reefs is beginning to take hold. In the Hauraki Gulf and in Hawkes Bay, reefs are planned and actually in the water.

The success of Legasea - ‘Hawkes Bay, having installed a reef that is now a thriving and writhing habitat for crayfish… gives us huge encouragement.

We lean on the scientific and administrative expertise of powerful organisations like Legasea. They advocate, lobby and fundraise for recreational fishers and they have been generous to us with their expertise. We also greatly value the advice and encouragement we get from scientists and other professionals in the marine space.

MMT has received generous grants from The GB Community Trust and the Pupu Hydro Society. They support our efforts to locate and evaluate the last remaining reef-ball moulds in New Zealand. We will visit these moulds and, if they're still viable, we’ll bring them to Golden Bay and make reef-balls with them.

We need to convince key staff at TDC that our plan is responsible and viable. So far they have not been convinced. Our scientific advisor, Dr Emilee Benjamin, is liaising with TDC to argue our case. People inside TDC are convinced that we’re right . We believe that Emilee will convince key decision-makers to permit us to get structures in the sea.

We trustees want to involve more enthusiasts to join us as members s.” If you want to contribute in any way, please let us know tonight what your ideas are. Pay a sub-$20 and get your name on our list of supporters or $50 to become a full member and get involved in this project.

At our next AGM we aim to report on success … having received the resource consent for our Onekaka project … the manufacture and deployment of artificial reef structures … securing major grants from big funders and developing a strategic plan to underpin future success.

Thank You

Gene