Surfing gives insights into coastal life
Surfer Marama Pou by the changing sheds at Mitchells Bay, Riverton
“I grew up with an appreciation for what’s above the water and under the water… when I was a kid we learned how to snorkel and dive under the water and forage for seafood and fish and all that kind of stuff. So, you kind of learn to respect the environment a bit more because you know what’s going on underneath there,” she says.
Being in, around and on the water so much, she’s witnessing changes to both the coast and the marine habitat.
“During Covid-19 I walked the beach every day because it was the only thing we could do because we weren’t allowed to surf,” she says.
“I took photos every so often and actually captured some of the erosion just in Taramea Bay.”
Bigger tides also drag sand away or expose formations beneath the sea, which changes the way waves break, she says.
Pods of Hector’s dolphins now make regular appearances along the coastline, and Orca are sometimes seen at certain times of the year from Colac Bay.
“You can see other whales and other marine life that you never used to see, so it says a lot about the environment, but it also says it’s the reason why we should look after it.”
Marama credits surfing and the sea for helping her recover from a potentially devastating stroke just four years ago.
“You wouldn’t be able to tell now,” she says. “My whole right side collapsed and I was temporarily paralysed.
“I didn’t have any rehabilitation so surfing was one thing that helped me get back on my feet again.”
“Surfing is just about having fun. If you take all your worries to the sea then why are you there? It’s just a way of letting go of everything and not having to worry. Living in the moment. Being a part of the sea.”
Coastal plan
Surf breaks of regional significance are being identified as part of a review of the Regional Coastal Plan, which sets out how Environment Southland manages the coastal marine area.
The current Coastal Plan was notified in 1997 and as a result is out-of-step with current legislation, particularly the requirements of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.
A strategic direction for the review has been adopted and lays the foundation for developing an effective and efficient Coastal Plan.
In addition, fourteen discussion papers have been prepared covering topics including public access, historic heritage, structures, water quality and aquaculture.
There will be opportunities for the public to contribute to discussions and provide feedback on many elements of the Coastal Plan development before it is notified for formal public consultation in 2022.
You can read the full Envirosouth magazine as a PDF online here.
