Artificial reefs built off Napier
NAPIER: Two artificial reefs have been built off the coast of Napier to enhance marine life and provide more space for fishing.
The reefs are a partnership between Napier Port and LegaSea Hawke’s Bay, a group of recreational fishers dedicated to rebuilding fish stock.
Napier Port constructed the first reef 1.4km northeast of the Pania Reef, with about 15,000 tonnes of limestone.
A second reef was created in a single day last month, when a barge deposited about 1400 tonnes of limestone at the site of a shipwreck.
To create the reefs, limestone rocks were loaded on to a barge via a dredge. The barge was towed by a tug to the reef location.
Once there, the rocks were deposited on to the seabed via a split barge, which opened and allowed the rocks to fall freely to the sea floor.
LegaSea Hawke’s Bay spokesman Wayne Bicknell said it would help solve a problem for fishers.
‘‘For years, the fisheries has been under pressure here and recreational fishing has declined big time. Hawke’s Bay it’s just all barren, it’s all flat.’’
The limestone was taken from a revetment wall at Napier Port which was dismantled to build a new wharf.
— RNZ
WELLINGTON: With hundreds more animals arriving at SPCA shelters this summer compared with last year, the organisation is asking people to get their pets spayed.
The SPCA manages about 4000 animals across its 35 centres in New Zealand.
Chief executive Andrea Midgen said cats and other animals always bred like crazy over the summer, but it was particularly bad this year.
People often felt overwhelmed after their pets gave birth, and then ended up dumping or not caring for them and the offspring, Ms Midgen said.
However, having the pet desexed prevented the problem, she said.
Other animal rehoming groups were also struggling this summer, she said.
The SPCA was also fielding a high volume of complaints of dogs being left in cars during the day.
People also needed to be mindful not to damage their dogs' paws when walking them on hot footpaths, he said. — RNZ