Seapods Spark Marine Revival in Tauranga – A Dive into Innovation
Tauranga Harbour’s marine life is thriving, thanks to an innovative seapod project led by Tauranga City Council and supported by the Port of Tauranga. The initiative, which builds on previous marine discoveries in the area, has installed 100 specially designed seapods—manmade tidal pools that retain water at low tide—to create vital habitats for marine species.
This project follows the significant discovery of a unique sponge species in the harbour before the seapods were introduced, further highlighting the ecological value of the area. The seapods, monitored by the University of Waikato and Toi Ohomai, have since fostered an impressive range of marine life, including glass shrimp, cushion stars, bryozoans, ascidians, and triplefin fish.
Professor Chris Battershill, a leading marine scientist and key expert in this project, has been instrumental in guiding research and ecological assessments. His work ensures the findings contribute to wider global marine restoration efforts, including collaborations with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
This initiative demonstrates the potential of innovative conservation techniques to restore and enhance marine ecosystems.
🔗 Check out our previous post about the sponge discovery here!
Read the full article in SUNLIVE