The purpose of our Research & Monitoring Programme is increase our understanding of the marine environment Te Moana-tāpokopoko-a-Tāwhaki, from the shores of Te Waipounamu to the Subantarctic Islands and the southern Ross Sea; investigate the climatic and ecological mechanisms that link New Zealand and the Southern Ocean; and to generate the tools and knowledge we need to implement sustainable marine management of the region.
Finding the right balance for fishing, research, tourism, and conservation requires approaches that are both scientifically rigorous and able to encompass the geographical, ecological, and cultural connectivity and complexity of Te Moana-tāpokopoko-a-Tāwhaki. We believe this is only possible by forming a wide-ranging and inclusive alliance transcending sectors (research, policy, industry) and national boundaries. Murihiku ki Te Tonga (MKTT) was officially launched and introduced to the international science community in August 2023. Our MKTT programme continues critical research on marine fish, birds, and mammals in the Ross Sea region, such as the killer whale research started as part of the TPA (Top Predator Alliance) research programme in 2013. More details of our Research & Monitoring Programme can be found in a position paper (PDF, 1.73 MB) presented to CCAMLR in June 2024 and in the Media & Resources Section.
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Media & Resources (under construction)
Snapshots from MKTT expeditions to the Ross Sea region. Left to right: Colin Aitchison flying a drone at Cape Adare; Rewi and Regina on a visit to the Scott Base Pou; Antarctic killer whales coming to say Hello to the MKTT team; Riki Parata at the Cape Adare penguin colony; Riki Nicholas and Regina onboard the Heritage Adventurer. Photo credits: C. Aitchison, R. Eisert