Join the Waiheke crayfish survey team
The fifth annual dive survey monitors the functionally-extinct koura population
From May 24th, the Waiheke Crayfish Survey runs for the next four weeks, and divers are encouraged to take part.
The purpose of this survey is to monitor the abundance and distribution of kōura around Waiheke over time, providing reliable localised data to support ngā tangata whenua o Waiheke, government and scientist management decisions, such as the ongoing implementation of the four-species rāhui.
As in previous years, the survey will involve a series of dives held across May and June. Please note that this will be winter diving, with water temperatures potentially dropping as low as 13°C.
Volunteer SCUBA divers will conduct kōura counts along random 50m transects around the motu (island), typically completing two dives per day. Free divers will perform timed survey dives, recording the number of kōura observed per set time interval.
Skippers will play a vital role through transporting divers and/or health & safety as a community support boat (CSB).
This important mahi contributes to broader plans for active marine regeneration, and we are seeking qualified volunteer SCUBA divers, freedivers and skippers to help achieve these goals.
This is a great opportunity for you to help restore the health of our beautiful blue backyard, Tīkapa Moana (Hauraki Gulf). Dive beneath the waves to help monitor a functionally extinct species around Waiheke; the kōura (crayfish) population. Whether you are a scuba diver, freediver or skipper, we would love your help in making this community-driven survey a success.
It is free to take part, you just have to provide your own dive gear and get yourself to one of the boat departure spots - The OBC on Tamaki Driver or Half Moon Bay marina. or direct to Waiheke Island. Trips are Saturday or Sunday, typically from about 8:30 am to about 3:30pm. You get two dives, have a good chance of finding crayfish but it is strictly no touch, just observe!
Enquiries can be made to email address; kourasurvey@waihekemarineproject.org
Watch the videos below for more information, including what you'll need, and what you'll be doing.