Our forests are thriving, but the underwater kelp forests—once vibrant and rich—are now being eaten to death by kina. These kina barrens are growing because we have removed the predators that keep kina in balance: tāmure (snapper) and kōura (rock lobster). Our forests are thriving, but the underwater kelp forests—once vibrant and rich—are now being eaten to death by kina. These kina barrens are growing because we have removed the predators that keep kina in balance: tāmure (snapper) and kōura (rock lobster). What’s the problem? Kina barrens now cover 32% of Hauturu’s reefs, a sharp rise since the 1950s. Healthy kelp forests provide critical habitats for marine life. Their loss disrupts entire ecosystems and reduces productivity. The Gulf protection bill will leave 64% of the reefs unprotected, risking further degradation. Treating the cause, not just the symptoms Divers can physically reduce kina numbers in small areas, but the job on te Hauturu-o-Toi is too massive. This is also a band-aid solution. If we don’t address overfishing, kina barrens will come back. A future worth protecting Restoring the kelp forests will require decisive action, including: Full closure of the CRA 2 fishery to allow kōura to recover. Setting clear kelp forest cover targets to guide restoration efforts. A management plan for restoring our kelp forests.
