Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve is made up of three separate areas off Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara in Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera on the eastern side of Stewart Island/Rakiura. The marine reserve was established in 2004. No commercial fishing has been permitted in the inlet since 1994.
The isolation of Paterson Inlet and its forest catchment help keep these cold waters clear and unpolluted. Ulva Island itself is a pest-free open sanctuary, with native vegetation growing all the way to the beach. Extending from the shore, this marine reserve protects unique and diverse undersea habitats in conditions that are thought to be close to those of pre-human times.
How diverse is the habitat and how is it changing?
Status: good
Trend: undetermined
Which seafood species are present and how are their numbers changing?
Blue cod
Blue moki
How good is the water quality and how is it changing?
Status: superior
Trend: stable
What is the impact of marine pests on the ecosystem and how is it changing?
Status: fair
Trend: declining
How much is activity on surrounding land affecting the health of the ecosystem and how is it changing?
Status: superior
Trend: stable
Partners
Download the summary brochure
Report card (PDF, 874K)
How marine health is assessed
Report card rationale
Research in the marine reserve
Research and monitoring
Visit the marine reserve
Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve