I'm glad you enjoyed it. I nearly titled the article "Wet Dreams" just to push the content guidelines.
A wetsuit it probably a good idea. The marine reserve is on Cook Strait, which is basically always cold. It keeps the kelp thriving but it's less great for human swimmers. The harbour varies but it's similar to Lake Taupō, so probably not all that warm for most people.
I had no idea seaweed was a living creature with kelp sperm. I learn so much from you. How long will it take for the seaweed to become “adults?” Great interview. You seamlessly wove Zoe’s knowledge into this article.
Thank you so much. I actually don't know how long the seaweed takes to grow. I think it's quite fast, because a kelp frond only lives for a few years and can reach tens of metres long.
Dec 17, 2023·edited Dec 17, 2023Liked by Melanie Newfield
I worked with Cynthia Harbison, mentioned in this story, on one of my too many volunteer committees. We have similar problems with kelp. Do you have eelgrass in Wellington Harbor?
I'm not aware of it around Wellington and I'm not sure it's the right type of harbour but we have it in other areas and it's struggling too.
I'm planning an article about mangroves in the new year because we have some interesting issues with them. I'm planning to visit an area of mangrove while I'm up in Auckland so I can take some pictures. I'll see if I can find any eelgrass/ seagrass as well. I'd like to write about it because it fascinates me, the only example of a seed plant which grows fully in the sea.
Love you writing about my bestie's awesome mahi! Hope more Wellingtonians will join Mountains to Sea or Love Rimurimu and help spread the good word - and seed! ❤️
Thank you so much for the suggestion - it was great to speak with Zoe. Also, I publicised the upcoming Mountains to Sea community snorkel events in my other newsletter, which is about science-related events in Wellington, so I hope more people learn about the work that way too.
Whenever I read a story such as this I am overwhelmed by the world supply chain. I enjoy nori as a snack and buy them as something easy to grab. I believe what I buy is a farmed product from Japan. When I read the lifecycle, it seems a pretty good bargain!!!
This is great Melanie. Seaweed sex - I assumed it happened, but had no idea how!
What's the water temperature in Wellington Bay in December? Do I need a wetsuit to go with my snorkel?
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I nearly titled the article "Wet Dreams" just to push the content guidelines.
A wetsuit it probably a good idea. The marine reserve is on Cook Strait, which is basically always cold. It keeps the kelp thriving but it's less great for human swimmers. The harbour varies but it's similar to Lake Taupō, so probably not all that warm for most people.
I think they allow erotica, so you would have been OK.
I looked up the water temperatures. I might manage a non wetsuit swim on a sunny day in February, but I wouldn't be in very long in December!
Your temperature range is very similar to ours in the sound.
I had no idea seaweed was a living creature with kelp sperm. I learn so much from you. How long will it take for the seaweed to become “adults?” Great interview. You seamlessly wove Zoe’s knowledge into this article.
Thank you so much. I actually don't know how long the seaweed takes to grow. I think it's quite fast, because a kelp frond only lives for a few years and can reach tens of metres long.
This work is wonderfully inspiring!
Thank you. I'm hoping to find more inspiring people doing great things in the coming year.
I worked with Cynthia Harbison, mentioned in this story, on one of my too many volunteer committees. We have similar problems with kelp. Do you have eelgrass in Wellington Harbor?
https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-12-11/oceans/wa-kelp-eelgrass-recovery-plan-tackles-big-losses-in-marine-habitat/a87103-2
I'm not aware of it around Wellington and I'm not sure it's the right type of harbour but we have it in other areas and it's struggling too.
I'm planning an article about mangroves in the new year because we have some interesting issues with them. I'm planning to visit an area of mangrove while I'm up in Auckland so I can take some pictures. I'll see if I can find any eelgrass/ seagrass as well. I'd like to write about it because it fascinates me, the only example of a seed plant which grows fully in the sea.
https://niwa.co.nz/sites/niwa.co.nz/files/import/attachments/A4-Seagrass-Guide.pdf
Love you writing about my bestie's awesome mahi! Hope more Wellingtonians will join Mountains to Sea or Love Rimurimu and help spread the good word - and seed! ❤️
Thank you so much for the suggestion - it was great to speak with Zoe. Also, I publicised the upcoming Mountains to Sea community snorkel events in my other newsletter, which is about science-related events in Wellington, so I hope more people learn about the work that way too.
Wonderful! I’m glad this worked out so well for you both 😍
Whenever I read a story such as this I am overwhelmed by the world supply chain. I enjoy nori as a snack and buy them as something easy to grab. I believe what I buy is a farmed product from Japan. When I read the lifecycle, it seems a pretty good bargain!!!
That photograph by Zoe of the thriving young kelp is stunning .
Such admiration for this sort of work ,enthusiasm and having the dream in the first place . Thanks.
It's wonderful, isn't it. We need to hear more from this kind of dreamer.