Our Research/Habitat Change last updated 18 May 2002
Need picture of mussel farm.
 

Habitat Modification and Destruction
In general, this is much less of a problem in New Zealand than in more heavily populated countries. Nevertheless, substantial parts of the local marine environment have been changed dramatically through port developments, reclamations and other uses like aquaculture. Mussel farming, in particular, is expanding rapidly in New Zealand and is starting to compete for habitat with several whale and dolphin populations. The Trust has carried out several assessments of the effects of aquaculture on marine mammal populations, and is likely to be increasingly involved in research in this area.

Publications and reports

  • Slooten, E., Battersby, Z. and Battersby, L. Potential effects of mussel farming on Hector’s dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound. Report for Marlborough District Council (2001).
  • Slooten, E., Dawson, S.M. and DuFresne, S. Report on interactions between Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) and a Golden Bay mussel farm. Report for Environment Canterbury (2001).
  • Slooten, E., DuFresne, S. and Clement, D. Potential effects of mussel farming on Hector’s dolphins in the Banks Peninsula region. Report for Environment Canterbury (2000).
  • Slooten, E., Rayment, W., Clement, D. Jones, G. and DuFresne, S. Report on the potential effects on Hector’s dolphins of proposed mussel farming in Akaroa Harbour. Report for National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (2000).
  • Clement, D., Jones, G. and Slooten, E. Report on the potential effects of mussel farming in Clifford Bay on the Hector’s dolphin population in the area. Report for Clifford Bay Marine Farms Ltd (1999)

For a list of general Trust associated publications and reports on marine mammals and marine mammal ecology, click here. To find out about the people iinvolved in this research, see the Univerisity of Otago Marine Mammal Research Group web site.