10 Dec 2012

Abundance and diversity of seafood in decline

6:44 am on 10 December 2012

Researchers have discovered the abundance and diversity of seafood has declined along parts of the coastline for the past 30 to 50 years.

Twenty two kaitiaki (guardians) from 14 tribes across the North Island were interviewed by researchers for a study that's been published by New Zealand's Indigenous Centre of Research Excellence.

The testimonies reveal some species of seafood are no longer available while others aren't as readily available as they were before.

Kaitiaki also expressed concern about the ecological and cultural impact of the loss of seafood and commented on how much longer it takes now to feed the family.