Ohiwa harbour of the Eastern Bay of Plenty was spectacular for our hands-on science engagement. PTC Trust in partnership with KG Kayaks organised the opportunity for Kawerau rangatahi to understand the value of the ecosystem and the need to ensure our waters are kept pristine.

Kenny indicated that ‘the water visibility at Ohiwa has been the best I've seen in 20 years and even in the middle of the channels, you can spot the large resident rays resting 3- 4 metres below. Normally through winter, the fish activity is minimal, but with the water temperature still around 16c, there have been plenty of kahawai surfacing and feeding and until June there were kingfish and trevally cruising the shallows’.

Preserving our harbour ecosystem is imperative and was forefront in the minds of the students as they ventured on this kayaking expedition. Whilst Ohiwa harbour is sheltered to the north by Ohope spit, which protects the estuary from the often turbulent Pacific Ocean, the youth saw some of the effects of sedimentation that has built up by clearing land for buildings and industry. Sediment can build up and smother the seabed, killing creatures living in the mud. 

Fine suspended sediments make the water cloudy. This can result in the loss of aquatic plants such as seagrass, which can no longer photosynthesise to make their food due to insufficient light. Loss of light and water clarity also affects visual predators, such as birds and some fish (such as snapper) who can’t find their prey. 

Rangatahi enjoyed their marine exploration and returned to school armed with raising awareness of the value of our lakes and streams.

Fantastic work teams, you are awesome!!