Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Archaeological research and management stratergy: the Nelson - Marlborough region DOC Publication

Author
Challis, A.J.
Year
1991
Journal / Source
Science & Research Series
Publisher / Organisation
Department of Conservation
Number
43
Pages
42
Keywords
Chatham Islands, Chatham Island oystercatcher, Haematopus chathamensis, breeding habitat, marram (Ammophila arenaria), dune restoration.
Summary
In northern Chatham Island, nesting opportunities for the Chatham Island oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis) are affected by ongoing modification of the dune ecosystem resulting from stock grazing and the continued spread of introduced marram (Ammophila arenaria) grass. Marram creates steep dunes and narrow beaches that result in oystercatchers nesting close to the high tide mark, where nests are at risk of being washed away by high seas. A long-term solution to the degradation of breeding habitat and the need for translocating nests was trialled in 2001