The Mokohinau Islands : a marine survey : with additional notes on the history, climate and terrestrial environments of the group

Abstract

Because of the isolated location of the Mokohinaus, and the difficulty of gaining access to the islands, few detailed quantitative surveys have been attempted, especially of the marine biota. The Royal New Zealand Air Force conducted a diving expedition to Mokohinaus in 1978, as part of their expedition training programme. Lead by Wing Commander Knight, the RNZAF made their main object a marine survey around Burgess Island, the largest island of the Mokohinau group. The impetus for producing this report stems from their pioneering expedition, and I would like to congratulate all members of the expedition on the way that they, as non-biologists, applied themselves to this unfamiliar task. Advice on conducting the marine survey was provided by Dr Bill Ballantine from the Leigh Marine Laboratory, assisted by Drs Tony Ayling and Floor Anthoni. As well as supervising the mapping effort by the Air Force divers, these three each carried out individual projects, the results of which are reproduced in this report: Dr Ballantine carried out a baseline survey of rocky intertidal shores, Dr Ayling made a census of fish populations, and Dr Anthoni kept a photographic record of the whole operation (which was subsequently made into a scientific and public education film). One of the major tasks to be done at the completion of the expedition was to produce a map of the underwater habitats. This was done over several years by student assistants at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, particularly Susan Owen. I thank her for her efforts, and also the many other people who helped at various stages in the production of this report, particularly Neil Andrew, Brigid Kerrigan, Laura Stocker and Jane Robertson. Our input into the production of this report was mainly supervisory; all the hard work was done by Peter Berben and Anne McCrone. We are extremely grateful to them for their enthusiasm and perseverance in gathering, sorting and writing up the information. It is hoped that their efforts will help to increase our awar2ness of the Mokohinaus, and will stimulate others to carry out further quantitative studies of this unique island group.