Plenary Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting 2023

Mahi tahi: prioritising Indigenous-led innovation and research to create biodegradable mussel spat settlement lines for shellfish restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand. (#98)

Kura Paul-Burke 1
  1. Waikato University, Tauranga, BAY OF PLENTY, New Zealand

This presentation provides an overview of a practical Indigenous-led marine restoration project in Aotearoa New Zealand. The transdisciplinary project worked with traditional Māori master weaver and kaumātua (tribal elders) to develop biodegradable taura kuku (green-lipped mussel spat settlement lines) made from traditional Māori plant biowaste and other natural materials. The taura kuku proved a successful tool for the recruitment and settlement of wild mussel spat assisting shellfish restoration, reducing plastic pollution and increasing marine biodiversity in the culturally and ecologically important mahinga kai (traditional food basket) of Ōhiwa harbour.