Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Many people are concerned about the rapid spread of mangroves around Tauranga Harbour.

The cause is sedimentation, which washes into the harbour from surrounding catchments providing an ideal growing environment along harbour margins.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is addressing the mangrove expansion issue in a number of ways. A sediment monitoring programme is being developed for the harbour; landowners are being encouraged to improve land management or change land-use; and a trial is being undertaken of approaches such as bunds, wetlands and grass filter strips to evaluate them as ways of stopping sediment reaching our waterways.

A prototype hovercraft to mow down mangrove seedlings colonising the harbour edge has been built and is being tested – although the bird breeding season has delayed completion.

Mangrove stumps have been recut in 33.7ha over five estuaries, where previous mangrove clearance has allowed sediment to be washed away exposing more of the stumps.

Also, a decision-making framework is being developed to guide decisions on where further mature mangrove clearance is warranted. This is all underpinned by further science and research – and is part of a much wider programme to protect the health of the Tauranga Harbour.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150.