Among concerns of the group are:

1. Marine pollution.

2. Fish depletion.

3. Algae blooms (toxic).

4. Foreign hitch-hikers (Asian mussel).

With the event of more foreign shipping into coastal waters, the sites we have chosen to monitor e.g. (Waterfall Bay - Manukau Harbour) are very close to shipping channels and this is a possible cause of concern. Waterfall Bay has been designated a Coastal Protection Area (CPA1). "Coastal Protection Areas 1" include those areas which, due to their physical form or inherent values, are considered to be the most vulnerable to any adverse effects of inappropriate use and development. The values within this particular area include the rich and diverse marine fauna, which shows open coast, harbour and southern affinities. The encrusting fauna...sponges, bryozoans, ascidians, and hydroids are uncommon elsewhere on the West Coast of the North Island, and in fact some species have not been found anywhere else in New Zealand.

The Research Team's General Aims:

1. To monitor and survey (Waterfall Bay... Manukau Harbour and around Little Wooded Island... Tiritiri).

2. Gain knowledge and understanding of the areas bio-diversity.

3. Observe changes in the flora and fauna.

4. Determine possible causes of changes.

The techniques we use underwater are simple visual observations which are noted down on a survey sheet. Along with underwater photographs and video this data will be collated and used to produce a "Report" which will be freely available to the community.

For most of us the underwater world is a alien environment, unobtainable only through television documentaries and places like Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. The Manukau is one of the most beautiful harbours in the country, but it has been much neglected over many years. The Research Team is committed in helping keep our marine environment clean and informing the public on the progress of this special area. An area steeped in history that has seen Maori canoes, sail and steam ships pass by, and an area that is very vulnerable to foreign invaders like the Japanese Starfish which could get here in foreign ships ballast water. Ballast water is taken on by a ship that is not fully loaded to ensure the stability of the ship. It is stored in special tanks, and is discharged once the ship loads cargo for export. As a major exporter of meat, dairy products, and timber, New Zealand harbours receive approximately 500,000 tonnes of foreign ballast water each year.