Join the Earthminds Marine Team Citizen Science Project
Marine biodiversity in Tasman Bay is essential for healthy ecosystems, local kaimoana, and resilience to environmental change.
Mussels play a key role by filtering water, improving clarity, and creating habitats for other marine life.
That’s why the marine team is experimenting with whether mussels will grow on rope wrapped around existing structures in the bay.
If successful, this simple, low-cost method could be an easier alternative to building large artificial reefs, helping restore marine ecosystems more quickly and affordably.
Join Our Citizen Science Project!
How to Participate
We, the Earthminds Marine Team​,​ have a focus on increasing marine biodiversity in the Tasman Bay, and that all starts with simple research.
1
Volunteer a Location
Can access poles or surfaces that extend into the sea? These should be submerged at least during high tide.
2
Gather Materials
Get natural fiber rope. This biodegradable material attracts marine organisms better than synthetic options. (We used this Sisal rope from Mitre10)
3
Secure Your Rope
Tie the rope firmly to your chosen location. Ensure it hangs into the water. Check out how we did it.
4
Document & Share
Email photos to em.marineteam@gmail.com weekly or fortnightly. Include your approximate location in Tasman Bay.
Your contributions help build crucial research data on marine biodiversity development patterns, in collaboration with Cawthron Institute.
How we did it
The clove hitch is an ideal knot for this project as it's secure yet easy to tie. It works well on poles and can be adjusted as needed. This simple knot will keep your rope firmly attached even in changing tide conditions.
We wrapped ropes around the support poles at the Boatshed at low, medium and high heights to see which rope height would attract more marine life growth.
What You Might Discover
Your rope will become a microhabitat for various marine organisms. Over time, you'll observe fascinating growth patterns as different species colonize the rope. This data helps us understand marine biodiversity in Tasman Bay.
Early results 23rd June 2025
Our Research Method
1
Rope Placement
We wrapped ropes around support poles at the Boatshed at different heights.
2
Data Collection
Photos taken regularly to document marine growth on each rope.
3
Analysis
Comparing which heights attract more marine life growth.
Marine Biodiversity in Tasman Bay
Green-Lipped Mussels
High in omega-3 fatty acids, these local mussels are used in pharmaceuticals as excellent anti-inflammatories.
Diverse Algae
Various species of seaweed and algae form the foundation of the marine ecosystem.
Invertebrates
Small crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates may colonize your rope over time.
Follow along with our research