As part of our vision to give back to our marine environment, Moana Mark has a growing number of projects it supports from the generosity of its partners. Become a part of the sustainability movement by donating to MoanaMark and sponsoring research initiatives.
Sperm whale protection project
Agency funded: New Zealand Whale & Dolphin Trust
The University of Otago’s Marine Megafauna Research Group (OUMMRG) runs the only long-term monitoring project on sperm whales (parāoa) in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Since 1990 they have been conducting systematic surveys in Kaikōura, where the unique bathymetry means whales are readily accessible close to shore from small (<6m) research vessels.
Surveys are carried out every year over 3-6 weeks during summer (November -December) and winter (June-July). Whales are tracked visually and acoustically, then behavioural data are gathered during their typical 8-10 minute surface intervals. The unique pattern on the trailing edge of the tail-fluke shown when the whale begins its next foraging dive means that all sperm whales can be individually identified. The Kaikōura photo-ID catalogue now comprises more than 200 individuals, some of whom have been returning to the study area since 1990. During each encounter we can also look for sloughed whale skin, make acoustic recordings, and use a UAV (drone) to gather aerial imagery.
The long-term study by the OUMMRG has allowed an in-depth understanding of the ecology and demographics of the sperm whales visiting Kaikōura. Their research has resulted in numerous scientific publications on a range of topics including acoustic behaviour, distribution, trophic ecology, size structure of the population, responses to whale watching and effects of the 2016 earthquake. Of most concern is the recent work showing that the number of whales using the study area has declined over time, possibly related to changing ocean conditions. Sperm whales have enormous cultural, economic and ecological value to the region. Their ongoing work is essential for understanding the status of the population and managing potential impacts.
Moana Mark is funding OUMMRG to continue their annual surveys in Summer and Winter, primarily for conducting photo-identification to better understand the number of whales in the region and if their population is declining. This information will be used to ensure precautionary management and conservation of their population.
Hapuku Marine Research Laboratory
Agency funded: Kaikoura Marine Mammal Foundation
Perched on cliffs above the Mangamanu coastline, Hapuku Marine Research Laboratory is a marine research base near Kaikōura in Canterbury, New Zealand. The laboratory provides students access to the nearby Hikurangi Marine Reserve, Te Rohe o Te Whānau Puha / Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Ohau Point New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary.
The Hikurangi Marine Reserve is the largest and deepest marine reserve in New Zealand. Covering an area of 10,416 hectares. The Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary protects whales and their habitat by reducing or eliminating the potential impacts of seismic survey activities used in mineral and petroleum exploration and some scientific research. Ōhau Point has the most significant breeding colony for New Zealand fur seals along the eastern coast of the South Island.
The laboratory itself offers a range of facilities including a:
- Wet laboratory
- Student office space with computers and software resources
- Seminar room
- Walk in freezer
Scientists conducting projects in Kaikōura can apply to use the laboratory for their research needs free of charge. All materials which are enabled through the use of the laboratory are collected in a database to showcase the research which has been done using the facility. In addition, all research materials published are provided to the local regional tourism organisation and council so they can be used as educational materials for the local community, tourism operators and their visitors.
Moana Mark has funded the build of the laboratory. The latest addition to the laboratory includes a 4 m walk in freezer which can be used to store deceased animals and samples. Moana Mark is continuing to fund the purchasing of equipment, computer supplies, ongoing building running costs (such as power and internet) and accommodation where possible.
Leopard seal protection project
Agency funded: LeopardSeals.org
LeopardSeals.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the research, education and management of leopard seals in New Zealand waters. Since 2016, LeopardSeals.org researchers have been collecting sighting reports and photo-identification of leopard seals to better understand their ecology in this region. Their data is collated into a national sightings database (which has ~5,000 sighting reports) and photo-identification catalogue (which has ~200 individuals identified). Information from these databases has been used to better understand the abundance, movement patterns, occurrence, and diet of this species within New Zealand. This information led to the Department of Conservation re-classifying leopard seals from being a Vagrant species to a Resident in 2019.
Moana Mark is funding this project to continuing their national sightings database and photo-identification catalogue. This will enable them to monitor variations in leopard seal sightings over temporal and spatial scales. The continuation of these databases will also enable further research on the occurrence, residency, movement and health status of leopard seals throughout their range. This information is required to ensure adequate management protocols are in place to protect both leopard seals and humans in areas where they co-exist. Ultimately, this information is also useful for DOC to make future predictions on leopard seal management across New Zealand in future years. LeopardSeals.org also aims to use this funding to educate members of the public about leopard seals in New Zealand to actively encourage greater efforts towards leopard seal conservation and protection.