Research to shed light on Knights

The Poor Knights Marine Reserve is getting a high-level ecological survey.

The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is getting a high-level once-over in a science programme made possible by Air New Zealand.

Director-General of Conservation Lou Sanson was among officials and fans who, marking Seaweek 2015 and its "Look Beneath the Surface" theme, launched an ecological survey of the outstanding environment last week.

It is 10 years since the last survey at the Poor Knights, which has been a fully protected, no-landing, no-fishing marine reserve since 1998.

In that time the reserve could have been affected by climate changes, diversification of sealife species, invasive organisms and its growing popularity as a day-trip and dive site.

One of the jewels beneath the surface in the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is this nudibranch, Dendrodoris denisoni gemmacea. Photo / Debbie Freeman.

The Department of Conservation and Auckland University are carrying out the survey, funded through a $7 million funding partnership between DoC and Air New Zealand. Among other major projects the partnership has helped nurture is the Great Walks campaign.

The two-week Poor Knights survey will involve a team of researchers undertaking video and diver surveys of marine species and fish numbers in the area.

Mr Sanson described DoC's partnership with Air New Zealand as "the way forward for marine conservation".

He said the research was important for Northland's economy as well as of scientific and environmental benefit.

"It is critical we care for our precious marine environment and set aside marine protected areas that will help us learn more and sustain our ecosystems and ultimately our economy," he said.

Mr Sanson said twice the number of people were visiting the Poor Knights these days than walking the Milford Track.

Dive!Tutukaka co-owner Kate Malcolm said she was amazed to hear that statistic.

"The Poor Knights really are no longer the poor relation compared to the South Island and those other beautiful places," she said.

Ms Malcolm said DoC and Air New Zealand's recognition of the importance of the Poor Knights, "would give direct benefit back to the real kaitiaki of the area, the local people".

New Zealand's other 33 marine reserves will also get the full survey treatment.