Southern right whales need more protection, says University of Auckland Research

To check how well Marine Protected Areas are for Whale and Vessel movements, the study by the University of Auckland uses four years of data.

Study in New Zealand: University of Auckland has conducted research on the Southern right whales and found that they need more protection. There has been much work done in this area which resulted in the comeback of Whales from near extinction, however, the University of Auckland's research has shown more needs to be done when it comes to protecting their habitats in Aotearoa NZ waters.

The university used four years of data on vessel and whale movements to find out how well Marine Protected Areas are for the deadly whale-ship collisions.

Associate Professor Emma Carroll, the project lead said, “Unfortunately, only about ten per cent of the important southern right whale habitat was covered by Marine Protected Areas."

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The scientists combined the vessel tracking and whale locations data of the peak breeding period which is from June to October. It showed a high level of overlap between the vessels and whales within several MPAs, which reflects that the whales still need more protection.

University opens second marae

Tūtahi Tonu, the second marae, officially reopened on August 10 in its new location. During the early hours, hundreds of people gathered for the re-opening of Tūtahi Tonu Marae.

Principal lecturer Hēmi Dale said, “A lot of the things we’ve worked hard for over the past 40 plus years are coming under threat. That’s the history that has also shaped Tūtahi Tonu, and it is our hope that students who walk through these doors will find a space that enables them to be Māori.”

The son of Tarutaru Rankin, the founder of Tūtahi Tonu, Brian Rankin said, “This is the place where all our leaders come through – past, present, and future. Dad built the minds of students who became passionate about all things Māori; he took them across Aotearoa to many different marae. He knew how to navigate te ao Pākehā, forming great relationships in both worlds. By binding them together, he started this project, which we honour today. That was his genius – bringing people together. This whare provides us all a place to stand.”

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