The Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet (GOPI) are gearing up to once again measure the health of the Inlet, with a further cockle count planned for the afternoon's of the week-end, 13-14 November.
The first cockle count was undertaken in 1976. The Guardians organisation, founded in 1991, has followed through with the organisation of counts in 1992, 1995, 1998 and 2001. The Porirua community can therefore be proud that it supports probably the longest running and most comprehensive survey of this type undertaken by community volunteers anywhere in New Zealand. This year's census will be the sixth.
Results of the 2001 census were analysed in Nelson by Ken Grange and Anne Tovey of NIWA (National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research). They commended the work of the Guardians, and the community, and recommended that they continue to monitor closely the Inlet's cockles.
They noted that cockles play an important part in preserving water quality in the harbour, but as filter feeders are very vulnerable to silt and other pollution. The cockles therefore provide a readily identified measure of the health of the harbour, but they reflect a grave deterioration since the first count in 1976.
Alistair Harray, resident of Motukaraka Point and committee member of the Guardians, has the task of marshalling volunteers for this year's count. 'In 2001,' says Alistair, 'it was estimated that the Inlet was home to 210 million cockles. Which compares very adversely with the 1976 estimate of 500 million - down by more than 50%.'
'There has been a sequence of severe weather events over the last eighteen months, which appear to have impacted on the Inlet. But there has also been a start to the Pauatahanui Inlet Restoration Plan.
'This year's count, after NIWA analysis, will therefore provide crucial evidence on the urgency of the task of restoration - and a base line for measuring the effectiveness of new policies.'
Alistair Harray has written to all the community organisations who supported past cockle counts - residents associations, Lions, Rotary, Probus, U3A, boating clubs and other sports organisations. He would welcome approaches from any organisation who feels it may have been overlooked - and from individuals wanting to join in on November 13 and 14. Residents can find out more about the Guardians on their very accessible web-site, www.gopi.wellington.net.nz. Alistair Harray can be contacted at 233-6648.
