Intertidal reefs
Map ID Number: Not mapped during the workshop
Location: Throughout New Zealand
Approximate area: Not recorded during the workshop
Description of area:
Hard substrates adjacent to rocky land.
Biological attributes:
A high percentage of endemism (60%) has been recorded for intertidal fishes. Most species are widespread from North Cape to Stewart Island, but some are restricted to northern waters. The reef-dwelling clingfishes belong to endemic genera. For triplefins, New Zealand is the global “hotspot” of diversity, with around 30 species recorded (28 of these are endemic).
Criteria applied:
Species richness; endemism; representation (i.e. across physical types); cultural values; extremities of range and adaptation to environment; degree of disturbance; special conditions and specialised organisms; special phylogenetic grouping.
Status and management:
Vulnerable to land-based disturbance and fishing.
State of information:
Good knowledge in some parts of New Zealand but not others.
References and further reading:
Francis (1996, 2001), Paulin and Roberts (1992).