The old revetment wall at the new wharf site will be used to create a new reef near Pania. Photo / File
The old revetment wall at the new wharf site will be used to create a new reef near Pania. Photo / File
An old revetment wall is being turned into a reef to help support recreational fishing in Hawke's Bay.
Napier Port is deconstructing a limestone revetment wall as part of the construction work in the new wharf, and is working with recreational fishing group LegaSea to turn the limestone into areef 1.4km northeast of Pania.
Napier Port chief executive Todd Dawson says they are pleased the old limestone wall will be used to replenish fisheries and give back to the Hawke's Bay community.
"It's a great example of what we can do when we collaborate with others and balance environmental, cultural and economic success."
It is not known sure how high the reef will sit in the water, which is roughly 21 metres deep, as it depends how many rocks are used.
The resource consent allows up to 20,000cu m to be deposited but some of the existing rocks will be used for maintenance on other revetments around the port.
There is also uncertainty about the cost as it depends on how much rock is used and therefore how many trips out to the reef the barge has to take, but once built, the reef will not require maintenance.
Before applying for resource consent, the port worked with the Mana Whenua Steering Komiti – a group of local marae, hapū and mana whenua entities – and the wider Fisheries Liaison Group, of which LegaSea is a part.
The two groups were set up in partnership with Napier Port to help protect water quality, Pania Reef, kai moana, fisheries, and other sites of cultural, environmental and recreational significance in Te Matau a Māui (Hawke Bay).
LegaSea Hawke's Bay spokesperson Brian Firman says the benefits of the reef, made from naturally occurring limestone, should be seen soon after installation.
John Stewart (left) and Brian Firman (right), from LegaSea, with Brian Dawson (centre), standing on the new reef in its current, revetment, form. Photo / Supplied
"This reef will help boost recreational fishing and diving opportunities by providing structure and habitat for a wide variety of marine life," Firman said.
"Just a few rocks in an otherwise sparse area will not only assist breeding and protection for juvenile fish, but support a surprising diversity of species, including shellfish, crayfish, seaweed and fish."
Hawke's Bay Sports Fishing Club captain, Neil Price, said the reef would create a safe haven for breeding fish, of which there are not many in the Bay.
"At the moment there is not a lot of places fish and breed and young can grow, any reef helps the population grow.
"It is a fantastic thing the port are doing, they didn't have to but they are going to do it, and it is going to help everybody in the community."
