It is hoped that the filter-feeding bivalves will help to improve water quality and biodiversity in the seas around Auckland.
The once abundant Hauraki Gulf is on the brink of collapse and the Gulf Guardians Fund has been set up by Auckland Foundation to support vital work being done to regenerate the health of the area.
By donating 100 tonnes of mussels towards shellfish restoration programmes, Okuma – which produces fishing equipment – aims to give vulnerable marine species a second chance. Okuma New Zealand managing director Tom Johanson says that they want to be a key part of the solution to regenerate the ocean.
“Time is running out, and if we want future generations of Kiwis to enjoy fish abundance and a healthy marine environment, we need to act now,” he said in a press release.
“Our goal is to leverage our platform to educate the fishing community about what's happening beneath the surface and what we can do collectively to help turn the tide.”
For every purchase of any Okuma product, Okuma will donate mussels back into the ocean to help the sustainable regeneration of the ocean.
Gulf Guardians’ philanthropy director, Tim Kay, says that below the surface, the health of Tīkapa Moana is seriously declining, and urgent action is required to restore its health.
“Over the decades, the urbanisation of the Tīkapa Moana catchment area, farming, fishing practices and climate change have all taken their toll.
"We are delighted to have Okuma on board to help us on our mission to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf. We hope this partnership will inspire New Zealanders who care about the gulf to take action.”
