The Cheltenham Caretakers

The Devonport peninsula is surrounded by beautiful coastline. On the eastern side, we have beaches with stretches of mudflats, guarded on either side by rocks. On the western coast we have sheltered mangrove forests and shelly beaches. While all these spaces have immense history, none are quite like Cheltenham.

The story of Cheltenham is a celebration of the power of community and citizen science. The Cheltenham caretakers are a group of locals, Mana Whenua, and scientists.

Surveys started in 1992 and have continued, with the most recent being in 2022. These surveys started after locals noticed a decline in cockle numbers. The first survey showed a density of 31 cockles per square metre. This is a shocking decline from historical numbers in which the density was reportedly 400 individuals per square metre. This first survey led to the implementation of a rahui on the beach in 1993, which was the first community-initiated ban in New Zealand. This ban prohibited the taking of any marine life (except fin fish) from the area. While, as with any rahui this was initially a temporary measure, the rahui still stands today, 33 years later.

Original brochure from 1993

At the time, a lot of people felt that overharvesting was the cause of this drop in numbers, but shellfish numbers, especially cockles, have reduced nationally we now know that there are many significant stresses that they face. There were several major die-offs caused by toxic algal blooms in the 90s throughout the Hauraki Gulf. There is some suspicion that this was partially involved in the reduction at Cheltenham. It is also known that mortality of cockles can be caused by increased sedimentation. For example, in storms when sediment is pushed onto the beach, this can bury them, as they are unable to move up the sand.

It is important to recognise the complexity of struggles that this ecosystem is facing. Harvesting is still a huge pressure on this environment and does reduce recovery for the population. The rahui helps to remove this pressure and give the population a better chance at recovery.

All this to say that at RTH we want to recognise the hard work that has come before us, and we are privileged enough to be helping continue this wonderful work. On the 27^th of September, we will be holding the next survey.

The survey will take place over several transect lines as the tide goes out. Everyone can get involved, no matter age or experience, we will show you how to conduct the survey and are always happy to help. If you are interested in learning more, keep an eye out on our events page.

Ngā mihi

Sophia Pierson

RTH Coastal Marine & Stream Lead