Marine animal forests rich in sea life have been found in the shallow waters around Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
"Marine animal forests are habitats formed by big groups of invertebrates—creatures such as sponges, horse mussels, and brachiopods, which look a bit like clams.
"These remarkable communities are increasingly being recognized as biodiversity hotspots and we've got them on our doorstep," said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
The forests were located by Professor Bell and colleagues Dr. Valerio Micaroni and Dr. Francesca Strano while studying life in the region's shallow waters. The research is published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation.
The researchers identified numerous animal forests in Wellington Harbor, many at depths of less than 15 meters. Sites were located at Eastbourne, Evans Bay, Kaiwharawhara, the Miramar Peninsula, and Petone. Rich animal forests were also found in shallow waters at other areas, including the Kāpiti Coast and Mana Island.
