Kiwi Land!: Goat Island and Poor Knights Marine Reserves

This Past week we spent exploring the marine life at Goat Island and Poor Knights Marine Reserves. Goat Island was New Zealand's First Marine reserve created in 1975. While we were there, we went snorkeling and did surveys of the different fish and sea urchins in order to compare them to a non protected areas. It was eye opening to compare the similar habitats and witness the difference in biodiversity. It illustrated for me, the realities of our over fishing problem and the need for marine protected areas. We heard from guest speakers such as Bill Balentine and Roger Grace, both of whom have devoted their live to protecting the marine environment. It was inspiring to see their passion for what they do, but also worrisome to see the need for even more protection if we want to maintain these species in the future.

(on the boat to the Poor Knights Island)

From there, we went to the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve, which was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. In order to get there we traveled by boat past talus like islands, as dolphins popped in and out of the water, alternating sides of the boat. the Boat ride took about an hour and the whole time I was hoping to see a whale...but no luck. We ventured inside Rico Rico cave, the largest natural sea cave in the world! The eco inside the caves could be heard for up to 8 seconds! One of the staff members boyfriends is in an irish band and he utilized the beautiful acoustics of the cave, by playing an incredible performance for us using his bongo drub and voice.

(The view form inside Rico Rico cave)

From there, we traveled to Blue MauMau arch, where the there were schools of blue Maumau fish seeking shelter from harsh surf, under the arch. While snorkeling along the surface, I looked down to see a wall of fish that was so dense you could not see the sandy bottom. As I dove downward, I was engulfed by the school of Blue Maumau! I swim alongside the fish as long as I could hold your breath. It was definitely something I will never forget!

we also got to hear from Wade Doak, who played a huge role in the development of scuba diving as well as establishment of marine reserves.

To see some of his photography check out his web site! you can see all the fish from the Poor Knights!

http://www.aotea.co.nz/NZ_Art/wade/photography.html