Reef Ball Foundation Photos and Project Description Database

Spheres of Influences! An Opotiki trust is testing a way to combine employment creation with sustainable kaimoana resources... Te Whakatohea Trust Board's training unit has launched Project Kaimoana - a multipronged initiative involving aqaculture and fishing training, constructing artificial reefs (using reefballs), monitoring species development within reefs, working with hapu and schools, and looking at future opportunities such as taking diving trips to the reefs and speciality aquaculture. Training unit manager Christina Rolleston (pictured above with the newly constructed reefballs) says the organisation is getting involved in aquaculture because of its coastal marin environment. Set up in 1989, the unit has run various projects and courses from hospitality to horticulture, computer skills, Maori arts and crafts, Te reo and raranga. When looking at the aquaculture concept, which has received support and advice from the Community Employment Group, Christina was keen to move forward in an innovative way: "We must stretch our minds and imaginations and see the world as our oystrer. Living in rural areas can limit what young people aspire to if they just think from one river to the next." The organisation cama cross the reefball concept through :looking at the internet and subscribing to different publications." The concept involves constructing artificial concrete reefs that ?mimic nature.? They are placed at sea to create new environments for marine life, and have been tested around the world in over 400 locations including the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and the United States. Participants on the Project Kaimoana aquaculture and fishing course have researched the benefits and possible pitfalls of the reefballs, as well as constructing 30 of them as part of their course. They have spent time observing pipi beds with scientists so that they will have the skills to monitor what happens when their artificial reefs are installed. CEG fieldworker Hera Katipa says it is hoped the reefballs will contribute to enhancing the fish population as well as paua, kina, mussels and pipi, and provide the groundwork for new aquaculture enterprises to be established. ?They may create more accessible fishing areas and encourage some species that traditionally just passed through to stay.? Course participants hope that their pilot project will provide jobs, education and enhance local hapu and Kiwi development....