Kōura Dive Survey 2025
Project Overview:
The Kōura Dive Survey, led by the Waiheke Marine Project, monitors the abundance and distribution of koura (crayfish) around Waiheke over time, providing reliable localized data to support Ngāti Paoa, government and scientist management decisions, such as the ongoing implementation of the four-species rāhui (a protected natural area). The survey involves a series of dives throughout May and June 2025. Please note that this will be winter diving, with water temperatures potentially dropping as low as 13°C. Volunteer SCUBA divers can conduct kōura counts along random 50m transects around the motu (island) of Waiheke, typically completing two dives per day. Free divers can perform timed survey dives, recording the number of kōura observed per set time interval. Skippers will also play a vital role in supporting these efforts. This project is seeking both vessel support and citizen science participation.
Program Partners
- Waiheke Marine Project
Location
- Waiheke, Auckland
Expected Time Frame
- May 24th - June 29th
Citizen Science activity parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
Since 2020, the Kōura Dive Survey has collected vital data on kōura (crayfish) populations around Waiheke Island to support marine conservation and management decisions. Kōura are ecologically important as key predators that help maintain reef health, but their populations have declined due to overfishing and habitat loss. The survey takes place in winter, when cooler water temperatures encourage kōura to move into shallower areas, improving observation accuracy. Now in its fifth year, the project continues to strengthen community-led stewardship and inform the ongoing implementation of the four-species rāhui.
Mission:
The mission of the Kōura Dive Survey is to monitor the abundance and distribution of kōura species (Jasus edwardsii and Sagmariasus verreauxi) along Waiheke Island’s coastline, supporting culturally and ecologically informed marine management. In 2025, the survey aims to increase Māori diver participation, particularly among ngā uri o Ngāti Paoa, prioritize involvement of mana whenua and Waiheke residents, complete at least six surveys across key sites with a focus on Area 5, foster mentorship between experienced and new divers through tuākana/teina relationships, and integrate mātauranga Māori by aligning survey efforts with environmental indicators such as lunar phases and taiao conditions.
Data Impact:
The Kōura Dive Survey provides localized, long-term data that supports marine management decisions, including the closure of the CRA2 rock lobster fishery in Tīkapa Moana. By combining scientific monitoring with mātauranga Māori, the survey tracks kōura population trends, strengthens rāhui protections, and empowers community-driven conservation.
How to Participate:
To join the Kōura Dive Survey as a diver, freediver, or skipper, please email SeaKeepers’ South Pacific Director at melissa@seakeepers.org for more information.
Program Partners:
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