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Coordinates: 46°54′58″S 168°01′03″E / 46.9162378°S 168.017473°E / -46.9162378; 168.017473
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Importing Wikidata short description: "Marine reserve in New Zealand territorial waters"
 
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{{Short description|Marine reserve in New Zealand territorial waters}}
The '''Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve''' is a 1,075 ha (2,656 acres) marine reserve located near [[Ulva Island (New Zealand)|Ulva Island]]/Te Wharawhara in [[Paterson Inlet]], [[Stewart Island]], New Zealand. It was established in 2004.
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}
[[File:Ulva Island Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve.jpg|thumb|Kelp forest in Ulva Island Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve. (Photo from Stewart Island Adventures with their permission)]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve
| iucn_category =
| photo = Stewart Island Ulva Island Ferry jetty.jpg
| photo_alt = Photography of inlet from Ulva Island ferry terminal
| photo_caption = The marine reserve includes areas between Ulva Island in the foreground and [[Native Island]] in the background
| map = New Zealand South Island |relief=1
| map_alt = New Zealand South Island relief map
| map_caption =
| label =
| label_position = right
| location = [[Southland, New Zealand|Southland]], [[New Zealand]]
| nearest_city =
| coordinates = {{coord|-46.9162378|168.017473|display=inline, title}}
| area = {{convert|1075|ha}}
| established = 2004
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body = [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|Department of Conservation]]
}}
'''Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve''' is a [[Marine reserves of New Zealand|marine reserve]] covering an area of {{convert|1075|ha}} south-west and north-east of [[Ulva Island (New Zealand)|Ulva Island]], in the Paterson Inlet of New Zealand's [[Stewart Island]]. It was established in 2004 and is administered by the [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|Department of Conservation]].<ref name="doc-official">{{cite web |title=Ulva Island - Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/ulva-island-te-wharawhara/?tab-id=50578 |website=doc.govt.nz |publisher=[[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]]}}</ref><ref name="teara">{{cite web |last1=Hutching |first1=Gerard |title=Marine protected areas |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/table/27865/marine-protected-areas |website=[[Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]]}}</ref>


=== Features ===
==Geography==
This reserve features undersea forests of the [[Macrocystis pyrifera|giant kelp]] ''Macrocystis pyrifera.'' There is an abundance of marine life here. There are over 50 species of fish; numerous varieties of seaweed; [[brachiopod]] (lampshells) and other shellfish.


The reserve covers about 15% of Paterson Inlet (''Whaka ā Te Wera''),<ref name="southlandnz">{{cite web |title=Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve |url=https://southlandnz.com/stewart-island/natural-attraction/ulva-islandte-wharawhara-marine-reserve |website=southlandnz.com |publisher=Tourism Southland}}</ref> a submerged ancient river valley.<ref name="doc-official" /> The rivers flowing into it drain from pristine undeveloped land with little sediment and nutrient run-off, and warm subtropical and cool Antarctic waters mix in the currents of Stewart Island. The combination of factors provides a habitat for a range of plants and animals including at least 56 species of marine fish.<ref name="doc-official" />
Divers exploring the area might see [[carpet shark]], banded wrasse, Stewart Island blue cod, sea lions, seals, and [[lion's mane jellyfish]].  


The inlet is one of the largest sheltered harbours in southern New Zealand.<ref name="doc-brochure">{{cite web |title=Ulva Island - Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve Brochure |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/ulva-island-marine-reserve-brochure.pdf |website=doc.govt.nz |publisher=[[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]]}}</ref>
=== [https://www.doc.govt.nz/ulvamarinemap Map and GPS Boundary Points] ===


==History==
=== List of rules ===


The marine reserve was established in 2004,<ref name=createdoff>{{Cite news|date=4 June 2004|title=Marine reserve created off Stewart Island|language=en-NZ|work=NZ Herald|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/|access-date=20 September 2020|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> receiving legal recognition on 13 December of that year.<ref name="legislation">{{cite web |title=Marine Reserve (Ulva Island—Te Wharawhara) Order 2004 |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0398/latest/DLM299387.html |website=legislation.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]]}}</ref>
# No fishing of any kind
# Don’t take or kill marine life
# Don’t remove or disturb any marine life objects
# Don’t feed fish/wildlife
# Take care when anchoring so you don’t disturb the sea floor


The rest of Paterson Inlet was designated Te Whaka a Te Wera Mätaitai Reserve on 31 December 2004 to promote sustainable management of the inlet's fisheries resources and provide for customary food gathering by Maori.<ref name="beehive">{{cite news |title=New Stewart Island fisheries reserve becomes a reality |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-stewart-island-fisheries-reserve-becomes-reality |agency=Beehive |publisher=[[New Zealand Government]] |date=31 December 2004}}</ref> It is closed off to non-commercial fishing.<ref name="walrond">{{cite web |last1=Walrond |first1=Carl |title=Stewart Island/Rakiura |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/stewart-islandrakiura |website=[[Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]]}}</ref>
== See also ==


A fisher was fined for taking two blue cod from the reserve in December 2012.<ref name="4december2012">{{cite news |title=Fisherman in marine reserve fined |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/8008917/Fisherman-in-marine-reserve-fined |agency=[[Southland Times]] |publisher=[[Fairfax New Zealand]] |date=4 December 2012}}</ref>

In 2019 the ecosystem of the marine reserve was in good health.<ref name="rwarren">{{cite book |last1=Warren |first1=Rhiannon |title=Turning tides in New Zealand intertidal research: a baseline study of Ulva Island intertidal zones |date=2019 |publisher=[[Southern Institute of Technology]] |url=https://www.sit.ac.nz/Portals/0/upload/SITJAR%20-%20Warren%20and%20Liang%202019.pdf}}</ref>

==Flora and fauna==

[[Brachiopod]] (lamp shells), an ancient filter-feeding shellfish that live on both rock and sediment, thrive in the inlet at depths of less than 20 metres.<ref name="doc-official" /> These shellfish were abundant in prehistoric oceans 300 to 550 million years ago, but are now relatively rare. The inlet is one of the most accessible viewing spots for the shellfish in the world.<ref name="doc-brochure" />

[[Kina (animal)|Kina]], [[sea cucumbers]] and [[starfish]] also thrive in the inlet waters.<ref name="tourismnz">{{cite web |title=Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve |url=https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/ulva-island-te-wharawhara-marine-reserve/ |website=newzealand.com |publisher=[[Tourism New Zealand]]}}</ref> Divers also encounter [[carpet shark]], [[Banded Wrasse]], Stewart Island [[blue cod]] and [[lion's mane jellyfish]].<ref name=kany>{{Cite news|last=Kany|first=Jessica|date=March 2020|title="front page"|work=Stewart Island News|url=https://www.stewartislandnews.com/uploads/5/3/5/0/53500577/mar2020.pdf}}</ref>

The inlet also has the widest variety of seaweed in New Zealand, including 56 brown, 31 green and 174 red species. The seaweed forests provide a habitat for a diverse range of fish, invertebrates and marine mammals. Meadows of small red seaweed grow on the sand, helping to stabilise the sediment while providing an important shelter for scallops and surface for spat and larvae.<ref name="doc-official" /><ref name="doc-brochure" /> There is also a forest of [[Macrocystis pyrifera|giant kelp]] (''Macrocystis pyrifera'').<ref name="ecosystems">{{Cite web|title=Ecosystem explorations – Environment Southland|url=https://www.es.govt.nz/environment/biosecurity-and-biodiversity/biodiversity/ecosystem-explorations#toc-link-8|access-date=20 September 2020|website=www.es.govt.nz}}</ref>

[[Fur seals]], [[sea lions]] and [[yellow-eyed penguin]]s often visit the inlet.<ref name="doc-brochure" />

==Recreation==

The marine reserve is used for snorkelling, boating and kayaking, with clear waters teeming with fish, penguins and a variety of marine flora.<ref name="doc-official" /> There are several boat launching ramps at [[Oban, New Zealand|Oban]].<ref name="doc-brochure" />

According to the Department of Conservation, snorkelling is best at a depth of 5 to 12 metres, off the north end of Sydney Cove beach on Ulva Island. A wetsuit, flashlight and dive knife is recommended due to the kelp forests and cold sea temperatures.<ref name="doc-official" /> The southern side of the island is best for kayaking and canoeing.<ref name="aa">{{cite web |title=Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve |url=https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/ulva-island-te-wharawhara-marine-reserve/ |website=aa.co.nz |publisher=[[Automobile Association of New Zealand]]}}</ref>

Catch bags, fishing spears and fishing are banned in the reserve. Boats must take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.<ref name="doc-official" />

The Ulva Island beaches are a 10-minute boat or water taxi ride from Golden Bay, and via well-formed gravel tracks on the island: Sydney Cove is a five-minute walk from the Ulva Island Wharf; Boulder Beach is a 30-minute walk across the island.<ref name="doc-brochure" />

==See also==
* [[Marine reserves of New Zealand]]
* [[Marine reserves of New Zealand]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
[https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/ulva-island-te-wharawhara-marine-reserve/ Ulva Island Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve Department of Conservation]{{User sandbox}}<mapframe latitude="46° 56′ 2.4″ S" longitude="168° 7′ 51.6″ E" zoom="2" width="217" height="106" align="right">
*[https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/ulva-island-te-wharawhara-marine-reserve/ Ulva Island Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve Department of Conservation]
*[https://www.doc.govt.nz/ulvamarinemap Map and GPS Boundary Points]
Ulva Island
</mapframe><!-- EDIT BELOW THIS LINE -->


{{Protected areas of New Zealand}}
{{AFC submission|||ts=20200905015148|u=Caby-Hooky|ns=2}}
{{Southland District}}


[[Category:Marine reserves of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Protected areas of the Southland Region]]
[[Category:Southland District]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 2004]]

Latest revision as of 21:45, 9 August 2024

Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve
Photography of inlet from Ulva Island ferry terminal
The marine reserve includes areas between Ulva Island in the foreground and Native Island in the background
New Zealand South Island relief map
New Zealand South Island relief map
LocationSouthland, New Zealand
Coordinates46°54′58″S 168°01′03″E / 46.9162378°S 168.017473°E / -46.9162378; 168.017473
Area1,075 hectares (2,660 acres)
Established2004
Governing bodyDepartment of Conservation

Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve is a marine reserve covering an area of 1,075 hectares (2,660 acres) south-west and north-east of Ulva Island, in the Paterson Inlet of New Zealand's Stewart Island. It was established in 2004 and is administered by the Department of Conservation.[1][2]

Geography

[edit]

The reserve covers about 15% of Paterson Inlet (Whaka ā Te Wera),[3] a submerged ancient river valley.[1] The rivers flowing into it drain from pristine undeveloped land with little sediment and nutrient run-off, and warm subtropical and cool Antarctic waters mix in the currents of Stewart Island. The combination of factors provides a habitat for a range of plants and animals including at least 56 species of marine fish.[1]

The inlet is one of the largest sheltered harbours in southern New Zealand.[4]

History

[edit]

The marine reserve was established in 2004,[5] receiving legal recognition on 13 December of that year.[6]

The rest of Paterson Inlet was designated Te Whaka a Te Wera Mätaitai Reserve on 31 December 2004 to promote sustainable management of the inlet's fisheries resources and provide for customary food gathering by Maori.[7] It is closed off to non-commercial fishing.[8]

A fisher was fined for taking two blue cod from the reserve in December 2012.[9]

In 2019 the ecosystem of the marine reserve was in good health.[10]

Flora and fauna

[edit]

Brachiopod (lamp shells), an ancient filter-feeding shellfish that live on both rock and sediment, thrive in the inlet at depths of less than 20 metres.[1] These shellfish were abundant in prehistoric oceans 300 to 550 million years ago, but are now relatively rare. The inlet is one of the most accessible viewing spots for the shellfish in the world.[4]

Kina, sea cucumbers and starfish also thrive in the inlet waters.[11] Divers also encounter carpet shark, Banded Wrasse, Stewart Island blue cod and lion's mane jellyfish.[12]

The inlet also has the widest variety of seaweed in New Zealand, including 56 brown, 31 green and 174 red species. The seaweed forests provide a habitat for a diverse range of fish, invertebrates and marine mammals. Meadows of small red seaweed grow on the sand, helping to stabilise the sediment while providing an important shelter for scallops and surface for spat and larvae.[1][4] There is also a forest of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).[13]

Fur seals, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins often visit the inlet.[4]

Recreation

[edit]

The marine reserve is used for snorkelling, boating and kayaking, with clear waters teeming with fish, penguins and a variety of marine flora.[1] There are several boat launching ramps at Oban.[4]

According to the Department of Conservation, snorkelling is best at a depth of 5 to 12 metres, off the north end of Sydney Cove beach on Ulva Island. A wetsuit, flashlight and dive knife is recommended due to the kelp forests and cold sea temperatures.[1] The southern side of the island is best for kayaking and canoeing.[14]

Catch bags, fishing spears and fishing are banned in the reserve. Boats must take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.[1]

The Ulva Island beaches are a 10-minute boat or water taxi ride from Golden Bay, and via well-formed gravel tracks on the island: Sydney Cove is a five-minute walk from the Ulva Island Wharf; Boulder Beach is a 30-minute walk across the island.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ulva Island - Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve". doc.govt.nz. Department of Conservation.
  2. ^ Hutching, Gerard. "Marine protected areas". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
  3. ^ "Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve". southlandnz.com. Tourism Southland.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Ulva Island - Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve Brochure" (PDF). doc.govt.nz. Department of Conservation.
  5. ^ "Marine reserve created off Stewart Island". NZ Herald. 4 June 2004. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  6. ^ "Marine Reserve (Ulva Island—Te Wharawhara) Order 2004". legislation.govt.nz. New Zealand Government.
  7. ^ "New Stewart Island fisheries reserve becomes a reality". New Zealand Government. Beehive. 31 December 2004.
  8. ^ Walrond, Carl. "Stewart Island/Rakiura". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
  9. ^ "Fisherman in marine reserve fined". Fairfax New Zealand. Southland Times. 4 December 2012.
  10. ^ Warren, Rhiannon (2019). Turning tides in New Zealand intertidal research: a baseline study of Ulva Island intertidal zones (PDF). Southern Institute of Technology.
  11. ^ "Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve". newzealand.com. Tourism New Zealand.
  12. ^ Kany, Jessica (March 2020). ""front page"" (PDF). Stewart Island News.
  13. ^ "Ecosystem explorations – Environment Southland". www.es.govt.nz. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  14. ^ "Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve". aa.co.nz. Automobile Association of New Zealand.
[edit]