In pre-human times the streams flowing into Porirua Harbour meandered through extensive swampy marshlands. These rich ecosystems helped maintain the diversity of life in the harbour. Today few original swamps remain but volunteers have successfully recreated a varied marshland, the Pauatahanui Reserve, in the eastern corner of the Harbour.
How was Pauatahanui formed?
What unique plants are found in the reserve?
What is the vision for the Reserve?
What are the most common plants in the reserve?
How are Pied Stilts encouraged to nest in the Reserve?
January
Recreation
February
Fishing
March
Shags
April
Pollution
May
Tides
June
Urban Catchment
July
Pauatahanui Reserve
August
Sediment
September
Creatures Great & Small
October
The Rural Catchment
November
Industrial Catchment
December
The Future
Episode information
A salt marsh, also known as a coastal salt marsh or a tidal marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the intertidal zone between land and open salt water or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. It is dominated by dense stands of salt tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses or low shrubs. These plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh trapping and binding sediments.
