Muddy Feet – Firth of Thames Ramsar site

The Muddy Feet Project provides a framework for coordinated action to identify and address risks to the internationally recognised (Ramsar site) wetland around the southern Firth of Thames, receiving support and advice from central, regional and local government, and kiatiaki, business and community groups. A large amount of data has been gathered and collated to identify risks and plan for restoration of important environments. It is intended that this project will assist the participating councils and agencies in their current resource allocation processes in terms of land use, environmental protection, conservation education, recreation, and climate change initiatives in their various work plans in the year ahead and into the next decade. Phase I reports include a description of the Ramsar site, including hydrology, flora and fauna, benthic and marine ecology, statutory management, and risks and threats. Phase II report outlines management gaps, including critical actions that are required to reduce key risks to the Ramsar site. Phase III of the Muddy Feet project involves two streams of work that will have direct impacts on the coastal marine area of the southern Firth of Thames and its surrounding catchments: • a restoration action plan primarily focusing on restoration of the Ramsar site, and • the promotion of an ecotourism development vision to address ecotourism opportunities for income generation and environmental protection.

Information chapters on hydrology, vegetation, mangroves, birds, estuarine fish, fisheries and marine farming, benthic ecology, statutory management, risks, threats, and current research. Risk identification and restoration plans. Data collected on vegetation trials as part of restoration planning.

Firth of Thames.

Mid point in the wetland is 37deg 13'S 175deg 23'E – area

1999 - 2009

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Electronic (.pdf) reports available for download on Waikato Regional Council website (coastal publications page)

Bibliography available as Word document. Sensitivity/Confidentiality: varied - contact relevant organisations

Work is ongoing

DoC WCO and WAO file COA 001. Bibliography to be available as reference list 'point' on GIS.