Utilizing Community-Based Research to Enhance Protection of Endangered Marine Species in Coastal Regions
Project Hotspot Reimagined
Dive into an enlightening exploration of Taranaki's coastal wildlife with Project Hotspot, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative! Backed by the New Zealand Government's Curious Minds initiative, this project empowers locals to safeguard threatened and iconic species within their very own community.
Project Hotspot Logo
Embrace the adventure and do your part in preserving Taranaki's wildlife!
Citizen Scientist Birth
Community-driven movements are the lifeblood of change. The Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society exemplifies this spirit. Arising in 1997 from a small, passionate nucleus, this group championed the study and preservation of local marine habitats, eventually establishing the Tapuae Marine Reserve and still active in monitoring Taranaki's marine life.
Winding Currents and Sunken Secrets
The pristine shores of Taranaki teem with life, including a myriad of threatened seabirds and marine mammals. Gathering invaluable information about these species is vital for safeguarding them from looming threats like habitat loss and pollution. Shedding light on species movements has long been the silent passion of locals, though information often remains scattered and unrecorded. Project Hotspot addresses this justly, dedicating resources to capturing local knowledge and producing tangible results.
Coastal Creatures in Peril
Project Hotspot focuses on four enchanting creatures that call Taranaki home: kera wēra - orca, matuku moana - reef heron, kororā - little blue penguin, and kekeno - New Zealand fur seal.
Kera wēra - Orca
The captivating kera wēra roams the coastal waters off Taranaki, their majestic beauty inspiring and mysterious.
Matuku moana - Reef Heron
The cryptic matuku moana skulks along the Waiwhakaiho River mouth, a master of the art of disguise.
Kororā - Little Blue Penguin
The vulnerable kororā depends on the compassion and dedication of locals, often requiring refuge and care in facilities like the Taranaki Wildbase Hospital before re-entering the wild.
Kekeno - New Zealand Fur Seal
The playful and charming kekeno can regularly be found lounging on the Taranaki coast, their crowning glories being their sharp eyes and agile bodies.
From Data to Action
In an effort to preserve these precious creatures, the Project Hotspot website became a reservoir of information, complete with identification tools, data portals, and compelling maps visualizing species sightings. Information about kororā/little blue penguins can even be found on Naturemaps.nz.
Waves of Student Involvement
With a Curious Minds grant, Project Hotspot also empowers students. Scientists and teachers work side by side with students, guiding them in planning, data collection, analysis, and subsequent action. By fostering students as citizen scientists, we ensure the future safeguarding of these magnificent creatures.
Unearthing the Unknown
By engaging in data collection and analysis, students discover species hotspots, investigate threats to these creatures, and share valuable findings with conservation groups and the general public.
From Classroom to Harbor
By collaborating with the community, students learn invaluable lessons about the environment, ecology, and the scientific process. These collaboration efforts extend beyond the classroom, with projects like beach clean-ups and participatory science initiatives illuminating the power of unity and community engagement.
Embracing Participatory Science
Project Hotspot embodies the shift from traditional citizen science to participatory science, where community members lead or co-lead initiatives from inception to completion, learning and working alongside scientists every step of the way. Embracing this approach promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the natural world and the scientific process.
Queens of Curiosity
Championing participatory science, Dr Victoria Metcalf, often referred to as New Zealand's 'queen of curiosity', shares insights on the benefits of participatory science in a captivating Sci21 YouTube video. Like Victoria, pioneers like Joan Wiffen have demonstrated the power of citizen science and the importance of knowledge exchange with the general public.
Learning and Growing Together
By exploring and understanding the natural world, students unlock invaluable educational and life lessons, with scientific collaborations enabling knowledge sharing and mutual growth.
Empowering the Next Generation
Armed with the wisdom and appreciation gained from these inspiring projects, our future scientists will continue to defend the planet's most endangered creatures, ensuring their survival for generations to come.
- The Project Hotspot initiative, a fusion of science and environmental-science, aims to educate and empower locals, guiding them in the safeguard of Taranaki's wildlife, instilling an ethos of self-development for the preservation of the region's precious marine life.
- As part of the Project Hotspot's commitment to education and self-development, students are encouraged to embrace participatory science, conducting research and contributing to the conservation of Taranaki's iconic species, fostering a new generation of environmentally-conscious scientists and global citizens.
