Mahurangi matters, 18 Nov 2015, on the water

on the water 23MahurangimattersNovember 18, 2015

on the water FEATURE

STUCK WITHOUT ONE OF THESE?

JUMP ON BOARDBecome a Coastguard member today for only $115.Head to coastguard.org.nz or call 0800 BOATIE (262 843).

You’ve got your boat, you’re up early, and you’re ready to enjoy a great day out on the water. But with the beautiful summer weather and an eagerness to head out, it’s easy to let your safety slip from your mind. Make sure you have a safe and fun day out on the water by making sure you’re in the know first!Coastguard volunteers are regularly called out to assist unprepared boaties. Recently, a group of young boaties, with no on-water knowledge but plenty of enthusiasm, headed out to sea and quickly ran into trouble. They had no communications, insufficient lifejackets for the number of people on board, and were so badly unprepared they ran out of fuel near a busy shipping lane. With a simple turn of the weather, their afternoon could have had a disastrous ending – simply because they hadn’t taken the time to prepare for the sea.Going out on a boat can be like taking your car on a Sunday drive. If you’re prepared for the day, know the rules of the road and use the safety features on board, you can have a lot of fun. But out on the water, things can change for the worse quickly – and unlike on land, you can’t get out and walk.

Learning the ropes on shore can make a lot of difference when faced with the unexpected off shore.

Saving lives at sea begins with preparations on land

Boatie’s best mateWhen you’re ready to hit the water, become a Coastguard member and you’ll get peace of mind for you and your family on the water. With free assists and rescue, and lots of other benefits such as access to essential maritime information, a Coastguard membership really is the boatie’s best mate.For a limited time, Coastguard members and their families get discounts on selected educational courses. Info: coastguard.org.nz or call 0800 BOATIE (262 843).

Get educated, be preparedAlongside regular boating education courses such as the popular Day Skipper course, the Coastguard Northern Region Maritime School also has a wide range of seasonal and specialised courses to give boaties and their families the skills needed to get the best out of your boating safely.The Coastguard Day Skipper course is designed to help boaties gain skills and confidence on the water. With advice for new and experienced boaties alike,

a course can also be run to suit your schedule with day-long, weekend or evening options.Make sure your crew is ready for the water too. Coastguard ‘Women Suddenly in Charge’ seminars are for occasional boaties, and are led by friendly female tutors who tailor the course to help you build boating confidence, as well as show you what to do, should you ever need to take over skipper duties at short notice.For the budding boaties in the family, the January School Holiday Programme, based at the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, gives aspiring young skippers a good grounding in the basics of boat safety, navigation and maritime rules. Find a schedule of courses at coastguard.org.nz.And if you’ve taken the first step but want some practical experience in your own boat, Coastguard also regularly runs Bar Crossing days and On-Water Evenings – a chance for boaties to get comfortable with challenging situations in the comfort of their own vessel, supported all the way with hands-on advice from Coastguard crews.By Coastguard Northern Region

on the water24 Mahurangimatters November 18, 2015

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It’s been a pin-up for marine conservation around the world, but research has found that the integrity of the Goat Island marine reserve could be under threat from commercial fishing on its boundary.The reserve was created 40 years ago to provide a window into what the coast looked like without the pressures of fishing. But Leigh Marine Laboratory scientist Dr Nick Shears has found those pressures are still having an effect.Dr Shears won the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s Holdaway Award last month for his research into the impact of commercial fishing at Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, which has found crayfish numbers have plummetted to a quarter of 1995 levels.Surveys conducted over the past 20 years show a steep decline in crayfish numbers between 1995 and 2000, before a gradual decline over the past 15 years. The trend has been mirrored at Tawharanui and Hahei marine reserves.Dr Shears believes commercial fishing on the reserve boundary is part of the problem.“Large crayfish males regularly venture outside the reserve in spring to feed on shellfish and we know fishermen target the reserve, dropping cray-pots along the boundary,” Dr Shears says. “The reserve is basically a fished area. It’s completely legal, but it’s got to change. The density of crayfish inside the reserve is now less than what was found in unprotected areas 20 years ago.”Overall, the cray fishery is in a dire state, which may have created extra

Scientist Dr Nick Shears says the boundary of the Goat Island marine reserve needs to be extended to 2km offshore to reduce the impact of fishing on the reserve boundary.

Crayfish numbers in decline at Goat Island reserve

pressure on fishermen to target the more lucrative reserve boundary.Between 1995 and 2000, the number of crayfish found outside of the reserve declined from 10 per 500m2 to just one, where it has fluctuated since. Figures from Leigh Fisheries show the crayfish catch more than halved from 1999 to 2003, with the kilogram per pot-lift dropping from 1.1kg to 0.4kg, where it has remained since.“There needs to be greater protection across the board,” Dr Shears says.But other factors such as disease and

environmental changes could also be contributing to the decline, he says.There is also evidence that other fish species in the reserve, such as snapper, are declining due to fishing, but more research is needed to confirm the trend.Dr Shears is calling for the reserve boundary to be extended to 2km off the coast. Currently, the 547-hectare reserve covers 5km of coastline and extends only 800m offshore.“It’s not enough to protect the reserve.”It is understood that expanding the reserve would require a new marine

reserve application.“We’ve got the science to support the application. Hopefully there won’t be a lot of opposition.”Minister for the Environment Nick Smith says the law governing marine reserves is being updated and a discussion paper on Marine Protected Areas will be released for consultation later this year.Voluntary banLeigh Commercial Fishermen’s Association executive member Dave Kellian says the association will discuss implementing a voluntary ban on fishing the reserve boundary at its next meeting.“The process to expand the reserve will take years. If we make a voluntary change then it will start tomorrow. It will also be more responsive and if numbers start recovering then we could review the policy,” Mr Kellian says. “We represent every fisherman that contracts to Leigh Fisheries, so we have a mandate to make those decisions.”There are also low numbers of young crayfish in the population, which could be a natural phenomenon, he says.He defended fishermen targeting the reserve boundary.“The overflow of fish from marine reserves was one of the arguments used to promote them. It hasn’t been an issue until now.”Leigh Fisheries manager Greg Bishop says he would have to see more evidence before commenting on the issue.


BOAT SHOW

Terms & Conditions: SPLASH BACK offer applies to all new retail outboard sales from 2.3HP - 250HP . Offer applies to floor stock, consignment stock and new unit purchases. This SPLASH BACK offer overrides all other promotions ie: Units purchased between the period 15th May - 30th June do not count towards the quarterly

unit rebate scheme. How does the SPLASH BACK promo work? Every outboard purchased during this period will be invoiced to Dealers at normal dealer buy excl GST LESS the SPLASH BACK amount Incl GST. Dealers discount for the customer the RRP excl GST by the SPLASH BACK amount off the outboard. Dealers need to supply

Honda Marine with a copy of customer invoice to receive a Dealer SPLASH BACK rebate on sales of existing floor stock and consignment stock. Dealers must also order a replacement engine of similar HP. This replacement unit will also receive the SPLASHBACK rebate. (Not applicable to new units sales as SPLASH BACK amount will

automatically be deducted). Advertising and Promotional material: Each Dealer will receive SPLASH BACK point of sale to display on showroom stock.

HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW SPLASHBACK SPECIALEffective 15th May - 30th June 2014

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Coastguard Kawau have an operational area that runs north of Whangaparaoa to south of Whangarei, extending out to Great Barrier. The unit is based at Sandspit and operated by volunteers 24/7. We are spread over three crews, on rotating rosters. We have a core group of skilled and dedicated people but as we are a very busy unit we need good numbers of active crew to ensure that the workload is spread and our ability to respond to all callouts is assured.

Keen to gain new marine based skills ? Have the energy, time and commitment to join and support a great group of volunteers? Coastguard Kawau want you on our team!

The sight of people effortlessly zipping across the water on stand-up paddleboards (SUP) is becoming a regular feature on the Mahurangi coast, but as the sport grows Aotearoa Surf School owner Che Burnett is highlighting some basic safety tips to ensure the sport doesn’t end with a splash.Che is a qualified SUP instructor and has been paddleboarding for nearly two years. He says the Mangawhai Harbour is the best SUP location in the region.“It’s sheltered, great on high tide and there are fantastic ecosystems to view and explore with an abundance of wildlife – dolphins regularly come into the harbour and there’s an array of sea and shorebirds, including the rare NZ fairy tern,” Che says.But, as with any activity on the water, there are a number of risks people need to be conscious of. Che has put together a checklist for people before

they head out on the water.“You should always check the forecast before heading out. When the wind picks up it can become a challenge to make any headway and you can quickly find yourself stranded or blown further from your launch point.“If you are unable to make ground and are becoming tired, the best course of action is to immediately go to the closest shoreline. Do not attempt to go back to where you launched from. It’s easier to rest and walk rather than take a risk.”Changing tides and currents can also be a hazard.“Mid-tide always has a stronger current which can prove difficult, so it’s best to plan ahead and go out either at low tide or high tide.”Popular paddleboarding spots are often in areas without surf livesaving patrols, so it’s important to carry the right equipment.

“Always carry a personal flotation device [inflatable life jackets which can fit into a small bag]. You don’t have to wear it, but you need to carry it.”Che also recommends carrying a mobile phone.“You can buy cost-effective waterproof pouches and you can still use your phone and take photos while it’s safe in the pouch.”Avoiding conflict with boaties is also important.“Don’t launch from popular boat ramps during peak times. Sometimes boaties don’t see you.”And if you are starting out, Che recommends getting a formal lesson to learn the basic skills.“The techniques taught become invaluable in unsafe situations, like how to conserve energy and make long distances, which builds a solid foundation to ensure you are safe on the water.”

Che’s safety tips:• Check the weather forecast

and tides before heading out

• Carry a personal flotation device and cellphone

• Avoid launching at popular boat ramps at peak times

• Learn the basic techniques before starting

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Regular maintenance and equipment checks are the only way to ensure trouble-free boating, according to Matakana Marine & Engineering Aaron Stenbeck.“You’d be surprised how many calls we get from the boat ramp at this time of the year,” he says.“Mostly it’s from people who are putting their boat back in the water after winter without doing some simple checks of the equipment.”Check the batteryToday’s boats need less care and attention than older boats, but just ask Coastguard how many of their calls are for a tow home. Nearly all could have been avoided by better preparation. Even the shortest tow will cost at least $200 – money better spent on a new battery or an engine service.Just because the motor started at home and at the ramp, does not mean it will do so at the end of a day’s fishing – when the radio, depth finder and perhaps a light have been using up battery power. A regular check will ensure you don’t get caught out.Check for corrosionSalt water and moisture are invasive, and adversely affect any metal touched. Anti-corrosion sprays work well, but a “spanner check” on all controls and mechanical and electrical connections will uncover many problems. Liberal use of waterproof grease will keep items working and free from corrosion.Inspect all electrical connections for clean, tight and corrosion free connections. Corroded connections can be dangerousRemove corroded terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends.Charge the battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge.Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

Regular maintenance will keep your boat afloat

Discard old fuelWith high petrol prices, there is an understandable reluctance to discard any fuel remaining from last year. Storing it over the winter months, especially if it’s two-stroke mix, will take it way beyond its use-by date.A combination of tired battery, old fuel and a little corrosion could mean you’ll have to call Coastguard – but only if your radio works.Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage and be sure to pay special attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces. Evidence of a damaged fuel hose includes softness, brittleness or cracking. Replace components when necessary and verify all fittings and clamps are properly secured. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning

properly and look before you pump. Aaron says that without a checklist to help with preparation, the best of us are sure to overlook a detail or two – possibly something critical. “Your checklist’s details should be specific to your type of boat, but all checklists have common elements.“Those who get themselves into difficulty on the water often have not made an effort to know much about their boat at all, especially a boat that’s been recently purchased. You also need to know how your equipment works and check it regularly. Make sure you don’t overlook less obvious items such as the cylinders on inflatable lifejackets.”Source, Maritime NZ

Making a checklist of important post-winter maintenance tasks is the best way to ensure the boat is in tip-top condition before it goes into the water.


Phone 09 422 7822 • Email [email protected] • www.matakanamarine.co.nz

For the latest wind and swell information for the Auckland area, go to: www.tidespy.com/?place=3005

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Auckland Area Sea Watch

TideTimes

Sun

FishingGuide

Moon*Not for navigational purposes. www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com www.ofu.co.nz Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu FriNov 18 Nov 19 Nov 20 Nov 21 Nov 22 Nov 23 Nov 24 Nov 25 Nov 26 Nov 27 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov 30 Dec 1 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 4

12:27am 3.06:23am 0.6

12:57pm 3.16:59pm 0.7

1:16am 3.07:14am 0.71:49pm 3.17:54pm 0.7

2:09am 2.98:11am 0.72:46pm 3.18:51pm 0.7

3:09am 2.99:14am 0.83:45pm 3.19:52pm 0.6

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6:19am 3.212:22pm 0.56:43pm 3.3

12:48am 0.37:17am 3.31:17pm 0.47:40pm 3.4

1:43am 0.28:12am 3.42:11pm 0.48:34pm 3.4

2:35am 0.29:03am 3.53:02pm 0.39:27pm 3.4

3:25am 0.29:53am 3.53:53pm 0.4

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5:47am 0.512:18pm 3.26:22pm 0.6

12:44am 3.06:35am 0.61:06pm 3.17:13pm 0.7

1:32am 2.97:24am 0.81:55pm 3.08:04pm 0.8

2:23am 2.88:17am 0.92:46pm 2.98:56pm 0.9

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Matakana Marine Seawatch

Matakana Marine50 Matakana Valley Road Matakana 09 422 7822 | [email protected] matakanamarine.co.nz

Matakana Marine50 Matakana Valley Road Matakana 09 422 7822 | [email protected] matakanamarine.co.nz

At a staggering 153 horsepower per litre, the all-new Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard is the most powerful consumer outboard ever produced by Mercury and provides the highest power-to-weight ratio of all four-stroke outboards in its class.Matakana Marine managing director Aaron Stenbeck recently saw the engine put through its paces at sea trials in Sydney.“It was pretty impressive,” he says.The 400R features a custom cold air induction system for improved air flow and power development, while significantly reducing intake noise for improved sound quality. An all-new water cooled supercharger is designed to reduce intake temperatures and significantly increase air density. This enables the engine to generate unprecedented torque and acceleration all the way from the lower end of the power band up to the 7000 rpm maximum engine speed. Electronic knock control enables the engine to safely run on 89 octane (95 Ron) fuel when the recommended premium 91-octane (98 RON) fuel is not available to maximise performance.The 400R is the first ever Verado to feature the race-proven Sport Master gearcase with low water pickups for added performance. The efficient and durable Sport Master expands the application of the potent four-stroke.

Big and powerful

The Verado 400R is also the first Mercury racing outboard to feature joystick piloting for outboards technology, which takes the stress out of docking, manoeuvring in tight spaces and operating in tight quarters by providing boaters with 360-degree movement at their fingertips. The digital throttle and shift replaces the lag and hesitation of traditional throttle and shift cables with digital precision, resulting in smooth shifting and instant throttle response. And, as if that’s not enough, there is a choice of accent colours available with both the white and black models.

The Mercury Verado 400R has electrohydraulic power steering and joystick piloting for outboards.


Snells Beach

Autos

230 Mahurangi East Road • Snells Beach 09 425 5956 • 021 721 133 • [email protected] under Gull service Station Snells Beach

Service your tractor now in readiness for your on the water recreation!

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Bowls Warkworth raised $1074 for hospice at its annual charity tournament last month, a result that far exceeded last year’s effort thanks to the addition of some extra challenges and penalties for the players. The event was sponsored by Timberworld and Leigh Fisheries. Mahurangi East bowler Bruce McArthy (pictured) won the tastiest prize by winning the corner-to-corner challenge. Over the last five years the club’s annual tournaments have raised more than $4000 to support Warkworth Wellsford Hospice’s community palliative care services.

Bowling for hospice

Opahi boat owners ahoy Opahi residents are trying to track down the owners of dinghies left on the foreshore as the community starts to tidy up the beach ahead of summer. Opahi Bay Steering Committee member Jennifer McGreal says there are about 10 boats which appear to have been abandoned on the beach and the committee is planning to remove boats that aren’t in regular use. “There’s been a history of people leaving their dinghies on the beach but it’s become a nuisance,” Jennifer says. “There is only a small area of the beach for people to use and a good proportion of it is taken up with boats.” The committee also wants to hear from anyone who has a boat in the dinghy lockers at the beach as it plans to introduce an annual rent for the service. Info: Jennifer 422 0110 or [email protected]

Consultation on the Whangateau Harbour shellfish ban closes on November 20.The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is asking for feedback on two options – the closure is not extended and harvesting resumes managed by the existing recreational bag limit; or, the closure is extended until a decision is made to reopen the beds to recreational harvest.Research has shown that the size and number of cockles in the harbour have not recovered as anticipated, after being decimated by parasite and bacterial infection more than five years ago.The current ban on cockle and pipi harvesting is due to finish on March 26, next year.Online discussion about the MPI options suggests that most people feel that the Ministry should err on the side of caution and extend the ban while more information is gathered.The cockle and pipi beds are due to be sampled early next year.

MPI says that it is important to address impacts on shellfish resources in an integrated and strategic way across the region, and is intending to further develop its existing approach for intertidal shellfish in the upper North Island in 2016.Meanwhile, a group of visitors was recently found picking cockles on the beds in breach of the ban. A local resident approached them and ensured they emptied their collection bags. He also reported them to the MPI poacher hotline.“They claimed they hadn’t seen the sign,” the resident said. “People should know that residents around the harbour are keeping an eye on the beds and reporting breaches to the hotline. I understand another group was found at Omaha.”The hotline (0800 4 POACHER) can be used to report illegal or suspicious activity on beaches and at fishing spots.Info: mpi.govt.nz/news-resources/publications

Cockle closure supported


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The summer swim season has started in Wellsford with a pleasant surprise for pool users.Thanks to funding from Pub Charity, the Community Pool Management committee has been able to purchase and install solar heating.The average temperature has risen from a cool 18 degrees to around 23.Committee secretary Sarah Walsh says it means that at this time of the year, pool users can spend an extra 15 to 20 minutes in the water.“It means we can get a lot more use out of the pool between Labour Weekend and Easter,” she says.The Wellsford Amateur Swim Club held two registration days this month, but Sarah says it’s never too late to join providing the person can swim 25 metres.The first part of the season is devoted to fitness, training and technique, with competitions starting in the New Year.

The seven-lane 25-metre pool is located at Rodney College, but managed jointly with the community.“If someone is interested in joining the club, then they are very welcome to turn up on club night, which is held on Mondays from 5pm to 7pm.“Swimming is a life skill so joining the club is money well spent.”Members of the public can also use the pool by purchasing a key for $140 a year. This allows unlimited access throughout the year, excluding school time when it is used by the college.Sarah says the pool committee is particularly grateful for a $2000 donation from Sandra and Owen Becroft, of Splash Water Specialists, of Warkworth, which has recently opened a second shop in Te Hana.“We’ve got some major maintenance costs coming up in the next two years so we’re incredibly grateful to Splash, which is also giving support in-kind.”

Splash Water Specialists saw the pool at Rodney College was struggling to cover costs and decided to put their hands in their pocket to help. Handing over the cheque to Sarah Walsh (left) is Sandra Becroft.

Stroke of luck at Wellsford pool

Documents

Mahurangi matters, 18 Nov 2015, on the water