University Of Auckland Researchers Re-seed Mussel Beds

Working with iwi and community volunteers, researchers led by Professor Andrew Jeffs have placed more than 350 tonnes of live mussels to create living reefs in the Hauraki Gulf and Pelorus Sound.

Overfishing last century has wiped out large areas of green-lipped mussel beds in coastal waters, with an estimated 500 square kilometres in the Hauraki Gulf. In this video Professor Jeffs and Dr Jen Hillman explain how vital mussel beds are for the health of coastal ecosystems, from providing habitats for fish, squid and other marine species as well as their role as the natural filters for sea water, recycling nutrients.

Professor Jeffs and his team’s work was recognised with a Research Impact Award at the 2022 Celebrating Research Excellence event at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.