Wellington’s Rimurimu seaweed forests get a boost

Wellington has long taken pride in its superb green belt and now the Mountains to Sea Trust is out to develop a Blue Belt as well with its Love Rimurimu (seaweed) project.

Their long-term vision is for local communities to develop a much greater understanding of how the vital rimurimu ecosystem provides services to nature and us, and to boost that they are running pilot programmes to help regenerate the coast’s seaweed forests.

The project, a national first, is enthusiastically supported by world-leading experts and technical advisors from NIWA, Victoria University, DOC and the Wellington Underwater Club. The project has already developed a wide range of new resources and experiences for schools and communities.
You can follow their progress at Love Rimurimu on Facebook, Instagram or through the website.

So far over 120 students and their close whānau have been directly immersed in the world of seaweed at community snorkels too which have a seaweed focus aiming to introduce participants to the wonders of rimurimu.

In 2021 trials are planned to restore areas where these critical habitats have been lost.
Seaweed (rimurimu) provides a wealth of ecosystem services and opportunities:

• Enhances biodiversity by maintaining vital food webs and habitat.
  
• Improves water quality
  
• Rebuilde marine ecosystems
  
• Provides innovative & traditional solutions to many modern day challenges including for food, textiles, materials and medicines.
  
• Fights climate change by absorbing carbon and as a potential tool for long-term carbon sequestration.
  

And the Trust’s Seaweed Cocktail Month has just ended! Head to their Facebook page for more on that, and the stars of the show - local rimurimu!
Delicious seaweed cocktails were served by four Wellington cafes and bars

Loverimurimu - Facebook page
Education programme - http://mountainstoseawellington.org/love-rimurimu/