Environmental & Sustainability News
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Wellington mayor swims at Lyall Bay as southern beach ban lifted after sewage spill
Wellington's mayor swam at Lyall Bay as the southern beach ban was lifted following a major sewage spill. Residents urged to check LAWA before swimming.
environmental-news -
How to identify the European shore crab and why NZ must keep it out
Learn how to identify the European shore crab and why keeping this invasive pest out of New Zealand is critical for our marine ecosystems and shellfish industries.
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How to identify Chinese mitten crab before it reaches NZ waters
Learn to identify the Chinese mitten crab before it reaches NZ waters. Spot the signs, understand the risks, and report suspicious sightings to MPI.
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Hauraki Gulf rockpool and shellfish harvest banned across three coastal zones from March 2026
A two-year ban on shellfish and seaweed collection across three Hauraki Gulf coastal zones starts March 2026. Finfish, lobster, scallops and kina are unaffected.
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Asian shore crab could threaten NZ waters: here is what to look for
The Asian shore crab could threaten NZ waters, native species and aquaculture. Learn what to look for and how to report a sighting to MPI.
environmental-news -
Aotearoa Ocean Racing partners with ORA to link racing with Hauraki Gulf restoration
Aotearoa Ocean Racing and Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa have partnered to link offshore racing with hands-on marine restoration in the Hauraki Gulf.
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Hauraki Gulf marine protections now active as February Notices to Mariners land
New Hauraki Gulf marine protections are now active, Tauranga dredging shifts navigation marks, and Whanganui leading lights are out. What NZ skippers need to know now.
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Asian clam poses major ecosystem threat but not yet found in NZ waters
The Asian clam poses a serious ecosystem threat. Learn how to identify it and what to do if you spot it in New Zealand waters.
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Copepods act as living pumps carrying microplastics into the deep ocean
New research shows copepods act as living pumps, transporting microplastics from ocean surface waters to the deep sea through ingestion and excretion.
environmental-news -
Public submissions open on pelagic shark bycatch rules for commercial fishers
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on the pelagic shark bycatch exception for commercial fishers. Submissions close 27 February 2026. Find out how to have your say.
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Asian brown mussel a serious threat to green-lipped mussels and NZ aquaculture
The Asian brown mussel poses a serious threat to green-lipped mussels and NZ aquaculture. Learn the risks and how to report suspicious sightings to MPI.
environmental-news -
Know your marine pests: how to spot invasive aquarium caulerpa before it takes hold
Learn to identify aquarium Caulerpa taxifolia, a serious marine pest. Know the warning signs and help protect New Zealand waters by reporting suspicious finds.
environmental-news