NEWS RELEASE
17 October 2007
Island Bay seaweed not related to new marine reserve
Seaweed on Island Bay beach at the moment is a perfectly normal occurrence and not a consequence of the new marine
reserve or changes in maintenance levels.
The article in today’s Dominion Post (Friday 17 October – page A8) is misleading because it implies that Wellington City
Council has stopped removing seaweed and driftwood from the beach since the Taputeranga Reserve was established in
August.
City Council Parks and Gardens Manager Paul Andrews, who lives at Island Bay, says in terms of beach maintenance,
nothing has changed at Island Bay.
“We have not removed seaweed from the beach for many years,” he says. “Very occasionally after a severe southerly storm
in summer, or when a there is an event like a Big Dig planned, we have shifted seaweed to another part of the beach, but
this is not done routinely.
“The reality is, this beach is on the South Coast and regularly has seaweed deposited on it. It wouldn’t make economic
sense to go in after every southerly blow and try to keep it seaweed free and that has certainly not been our practice.”
Regulations associated with the new marine reserve only apply on the seaward side of the highest high-tide mark, so the
Council can move seaweed and driftwood that is above that point and will continue to do so occasionally if there is a
particular issue, or a clear space is required for a special event. The Council also occasionally redistributes sand
that has built up against the seawall and this will continue.
Some South Coast locals have traditionally taken seaweed for their gardens. They can still do this provided they take it
from above the highest high-tide mark.
Mr Andrews says seaweed in the tidal zone – between the high and low-tide marks – usually disappears with the next high
tide.
“It’s important that nature is left to take its course because seaweed does play an important role in the food chain and
also aids sand retention.”
ENDS