The Hauraki Gulf Forum has invited experts in environmental management to explain how the state of the Hauraki Gulf might be improved at a public seminar at Auckland Museum next week, Wednesday August 22.

Regenerating areas, enhanced fisheries, mana whenua involvement, active land management and knowledge utilisation are seen as critical areas, to turn around the pattern of decline documented in last year’s State of our Gulf report, produced by the Forum.

Speakers include the Prime Minister’s Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright, Tamaki and Hauraki Collectives treaty negotiator Paul Majurey and leading researchers from Auckland, Waikato and Massey universities.

Topics include Bryde’s whales and ship strike, seabird threats and recoveries, the potential for mussel reef restoration, and the significance of marine reserves and current fishery stock levels.