The week-long University of Otago survey, which started yesterday, was commissioned by the Moeraki Runanga to provide fisheries information to mataitai (customary fishing reserves) managers and to support the management of local fisheries.
Chris Hepburn, a senior lecturer at the department of marine science, said the survey showed the commitment of the Moeraki runanga to managing the marine environment.
Dr Hepburn said communities were at the forefront of looking after coastal marine environments and needed all the support they could get.
A dive team would work from the university’s 6m research vessel, Typhoon.
A shore team would conduct survey work in shallower sections of the reef.
The survey team is part of Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai, a research partnership that includes local people who work alongside scientists.
"The information provided by the survey will help inform management by providing a baseline to assess the success of any management initiatives.
"Science alongside matauranga [Maori principles] and local knowledge is key if we are to restore our coastal fisheries to levels suitable for the needs of our community."
