Ohu Mana Taiao
Mō ngā 'apū o Ngāruahine
Coastal monitoring
This methodology prepared and refined by Professor Kura Paul Burke and Joe Burke can provide some guidelines on how to monitor paua in your rohe moana.
By taking this research back to your w’anau and ‘apu you can work toward understanding the current status, and degradation of our kaimoana. And thus, look ahead toward restoration and protection of these taonga.
First, start with your old people.
They are the ones who hold the mātauranga around our rohe moana. We know they hold a puna of knowledge around the rohe, that was likely passed down to them from their kokos and nannies. Bring them a kai and make a kaputī and ask about what they remember. Ask questions along the lines of:
"What kai did you catch growing up?"
"What were you not allowed to take?"
"How have the ika changed from when you were a kid?"
"Were there any significant events that you remember happening in our moana?"
Then, look at your maps.
Map the areas that have been brought forward. The fishing spots, where certain ika have been seen over the years. Ask your w'anaunga who are avid fishers where they go, and where their parents used to fish. This gives you an idea of the area you will need to
Plan your expedition.
Now that you know what was where, start planning your surveys.