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Five rehabilitated green turtles were released back into the wild on Wednesday afternoon in Rangaunu Harbour, Northland, marking the beginning of an important three-year research project.
Rehabilitated turtles are always returned to the wild, but this year, two of the five turtles have been satellite tagged.
The study is part of a collaborative effort led by DOC in partnership with iwi, and with support from Auckland Zoo and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s. The aim is to tag up to 20 turtles over the next three years.
It’s the beginning of the largest satellite tagging study ever undertaken for green turtles in New Zealand and will inform experts about where the turtles go, and when.
Two iwi, Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu whakapapa to the area. Both iwi highlighted the important place turtles hold in the culture and history of Rangaunu Harbour.
“Ngā Honu (sea turtles) have always been in our Rangaunu Harbour they are recorded in our hitori (history) and pukapuka from our ancestry,” says Nina Raharuhi Hapū cultural monitor for Ngāti Kahu
“They come in from their travels around the sub-tropical islands into Rangaunu for a rest, a bit of shelter and food before heading back out to breed.”
She says that a big concern is the number of strandings over the past two years.
“Is it a change in water temperature, lack of food, what’s in their food or the increase of micro plastics? That is why we are happy to hear that honu (sea turtles) will be satellite tracked over the next year.”
Nina says it is also an important time to bring awareness.
“Especially to the boaties near and far that these beautiful taonga exist in our harbour. Ata haere (take it slow/be mindful) and kia tupato (be careful) in our harbour of Rangaunu.”
Wiremu Marsden, Ngāi Takoto Taiao team lead also highlights the deep connection between people and honu in the area.
“Honu have always been in Rangaunu Harbour and are a part of our history. Rangaunu is an important connection between Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kahu” says Wiremu.
“Rangaunu Harbour symbolises the shared history and bonds between both iwi, and the harbour is central to our identity and way of life, playing a vital role in our sustenance, culture, and connection to the whenua and moana.”
DOC marine senior science advisor Dr Karen Middlemiss is leading the research and was grateful to be working alongside iwi in this work. Karen says it’s a major research project aimed at understanding how green turtles are using our coastlines and harbours.
“Green turtles don’t currently breed in New Zealand, but they are considered residents, and locals see them year-round in warmer Northland waters, which provide important foraging habitat for them.
“We are excited to see them being released back into the wild and to be working alongside iwi and hapu to make that happen,” says Karen.
“Auckland Zoo and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s are an amazing bunch of professionals who work tirelessly alongside DOC in the conservation of sea turtles.
“Pulling together this research team, and seeing us collectively contribute to turtle conservation, is an achievement I’m immensely proud of,” she says.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s curatorial manager Andrew Christie also praised the collaboration.
“The Team Turtle initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when resources and expertise are brought together.
“This year, we’ve rehabilitated more turtles than ever before, a significant milestone in our efforts to protect New Zealand’s marine life,” says Andrew.
Auckland Zoo veterinary services manager Dr James Chatterton says the Zoo is excited to contribute to this important mahi as part of Team Turtle.
“Stranded sea turtles in Aotearoa are often affected by anthropogenic (human-origin) factors including marine pollution, a warming climate, fishing and boating activities. The satellite tag data will improve future conservation of these taonga.
“People can also directly help by taking all their gear and rubbish home after a beach day or boat trip, and by following Maritime NZ/Nō te rere moana Aotearoa rules for slow boat speeds in coastal waters,” says James.
The satellite transmitters will track the turtles for up to a year. The success of the project depends on the turtles not knocking the tags off prematurely and juveniles are hard on them in coastal areas.
This initiative is part of broader conservation efforts to protect sea turtles found in New Zealand waters, all of which are threatened.
