Aotearoa has over 15,000 km of coastline — one of the longest in the world for our land size! Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive and diverse, supporting countless species and providing food for both wildlife and people.
Above high tide — only gets wet from spray and storm waves.
Conditions: Extreme! Must survive heat, cold, drying out.
Species: Lichens, periwinkles, some crabs.
Between high and low tide — covered and uncovered twice daily.
Conditions: Challenging — must survive both underwater and in air.
Species: Mussels, barnacles, sea stars, anemones, crabs.
Always underwater — from low tide down to the continental shelf.
Conditions: Stable, but needs light for seaweed.
Species: Kelp forests, fish, crayfish, octopus, sea urchins.
Crayfish
Abalone
Green-lipped mussel
Sea star
Little blue penguin
Kelp/seaweed
Coastal gathering has always been central to Māori life:
Sustainable harvesting ensured kaimoana for future generations.
If you visit a rocky shore, carefully observe a rock pool:
Remember to leave everything as you found it!
Observations: