We found a stunning diversity of marine communities, including protected species such as black coral, and lots of marine sponges,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at the university. These models will provide a baseline for monitoring changes in recently created “high protection areas” in the gulf. The footage shows the potential damage that lost gear can do to fragile marine species,” he said. The survey work was funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC), which is responsible for monitoring and managing the Hauraki Gulf’s marine protected areas. These areas were created under the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025.