Te Ana and Gisborne latest to take the Clean Marina pledge

 Te Ana Marina has clear thinking around water quality

 Situated adjacent to a working port that has recently been opened up as a public space, Matt Blythe and the team at Te Ana Marina realised there was a huge opportunity to improve water quality, and last month, signed the Clean Marina Pledge. 

Te Ana Marina in Lyttleton (pictured)

One of the first steps the marina took was to encourage the growth of mussel and other beneficial species. As a result, water quality improved quickly and dramatically and the marina started to see the return of from baitfish, dolphins, and even dolphin and orca, back to the marina.  

“Long-term locals they say that they have never seen the volume of wildlife as is currently present,” says Matt. “This is hugely rewarding to hear.”

Commercial divers who work within the marina and port have also noticed increased visibility underwater. 

The Te Ana team is also working with Cawthron, NIWA and Canterbury University to understand more about getting the best value from natural growth on marina structures, and identifying where and how pollutants are entering the marina through water testing. A PhD student is conducting experiments and doing analysis of the marina’s water on a regular basis. 

And recently the team have started to remove invasive species by hand, while at the same time retaining valuable species such as mussels.

Using its marina boat, Te Ana also conducts regular harbour rubbish collection. Onshore, they have invested in recycling, and ensure litter is caught before it enters the water. They have planted out water gardens with stormwater filtration, 

With regards to Clean Marina, Matt and his team have the support of their parent company, the Lyttleton Port Company, and are ambitious: “Changes and improvements required will be something that we will need to assess as we move forward, however, we have the intention of making the effort to make whatever change is required to reach the goal of having the healthiest marina that is possible.”

“Environmentally I am committed to having a healthy and vibrant environment at Te Ana Marina, and to be in a position where I personally, and the greater company, can be proud of what has been achieved in improving and sustaining our marina and marine area. This will be measured by quality water testing, waste management practice, user attitude and behaviour and the presence and abundance of beneficial marine wildlife.” 

Gisborne Marina aims for environmental protection without compromising marina operations

Gisborne Inner Marina has 46 berths, and is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the CBD, bars, cafes and restaurants. It signed the Clean Marina pledge in the middle of July.

Gisborne Marina’s Season project engaged the community

Marina manager Jacob Goodyer says that the marina team wanted to demonstrate Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) of the region’s waterways and land surrounding. As well as larger infrastructure projects aimed at improving our environmental impacts, we’ve been working with stakeholders to make smaller changes in the Marina area. The marina’s parent company, Eastland Group has an environmental policy and is a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition which requires meticulous recording of carbon emissions. 

“We hope that working towards a clean marina certification will give us relevant and specific guidance on how we can protect and improve our marina's impact on the environment.

As part of the effort to gain Clean Marina status, the marina will work with local stakeholders to implement better measures to capture rubbish from stormwater/rivers entering the water – generating engagement and support from the community in the process. It will educate berth holders and the wider community, and set and enforce stricture marina rules around anything that has an environmental impact/flow on effect.

 The end result will be a cleaner marina with processes that support a more sustainable marina environment that is a habitat for marine life - without compromising on day-to-day marina and harbour operations.