Wairarapa Moana Calls for Kākahi Counters

Get involved in some hands-on scientific research next month. Wading and on-shore volunteers are needed to support kākahi (native freshwater mussel) monitoring work at Lake Wairarapa, Saturday 13th February, from 9am until noon, Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve, just south of Featherston.

"Volunteers that helped us with our first count last year really enjoyed participating and learning more about this shellfish and how it contributes to our understanding of ecosystem health," says Toni de Lautour, GWRC Biodiversity Officer. "Some people waded in across a designated area to collect samples, others completed measuring and recording on shore. It is not a complicated process but it is labour intensive."

Monitoring the health of Wairarapa Moana is an essential part of a long-term plan towards restoring our wetland treasure. The status and health of the kākahi (native freshwater mussel) population helps us understand the health of the wider ecosystem and can measure the progress of restoration activities.

The first Wairarapa Moana kākahi count took place last year and provided a baseline to measure population improvement or decline against. The monitoring will take place on an annual basis and the information will support the decision making of Wairarapa Moana partners and collated into a new national database.

Enhancing the ecology, recreational and cultural opportunities around Lakes Wairarapa and Onoke is managed through a long-term collaboration, the Wairarapa Moana partnership, a joint commitment by: South Wairarapa District Council, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangit?ne o Wairarapa and Papawai and Kohunui marae, Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Register your interest by Friday 5 February 2016. Contact Toni de Lautour on 06 826 1535, 027 240 4732 or toni.delautour@gw.govt.nz for more information. For an information pack go to www.waiwetlands.org.nz and follow the links from the event calendar.

ENDS Contact: Media phone: 021 914 266