title: Protecting the deep: The combined impact of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa in New Zealand and implications for management

authors: Zelli, Edoardo

subjects: Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

abstract: The deep sea remains one of the least explored ecosystems on the planet, with 95% still uncharted. From what is known, it harbours critical habitat-forming species like cold-water corals and sponges that sustain extraordinary biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services, including supporting fisheries. These fragile ecosystems face escalating threats from climate change and bottom trawling, yet the extent of their impacts remains poorly understood. This PhD addresses these gaps by examining how these stressors influence Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicator taxa in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and explores implications for conservation. The research explores (i) climate change impacts and potential refugia, (ii) the added pressure of bottom trawling, and (iii) management strategies with policymakers and fishery regulators to fast-track spatial protection measures in the New Zealand region.
In Chapter 2, species distribution models were used to predict the spatial distribution of density for several deep-water VME indicator taxa under present-day environmental conditions and two future climate scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0) projected by the end of the 21st century. Results showed a significant decline in both the density (54%) and spatial extent (61%) of all assessed taxa under future conditions compared to the current day. However, the models also identified potential climate refugia: areas where certain taxa may persist despite changing environmental pressures, representing crucial conservation targets. This and previous research, however, indicate that existing spatial management measures with respect to bottom trawling may be insufficient to protect VME indicator taxa now and into the future. This suggests that present-day densities, even within potential climate refugia areas, may have already declined due to this activity.
Chapter 3 examines the impact of bottom trawling by estimating the density loss of VME indicator taxa in high-density areas, particularly climate refugia, in New Zealand waters over the past 30 years. Bottom trawling was predicted to have reduced the current density of all assessed taxa across the study region, with the most pronounced reductions in taxon density and habitat extent (up to 10% loss) occurring in areas predicted to be climate refugia. Such declines may undermine the ability of taxa to form ecologically functional habitats in the future if these impacts persist.
The interplay between climate change and bottom trawling presents a complex multi-stressor scenario for VMEs and their indicator taxa. Addressing these cumulative impacts requires integrated approaches that simultaneously consider ecological and social dimensions to provide the scientific knowledge required to support management decisions.
Chapter 4 introduces a social-ecological perspective by combining density-based spatial analysis of VME indicator taxa distributions under multiple stressors (e.g., climate change and bottom trawling) with participatory methods, including interviews and group elicitation with policy regulators and fishery experts. This approach aimed to assess risk perceptions, inform potential management actions, and identify barriers and solutions for effective conservation in the New Zealand region. Findings revealed that presenting additional scientific evidence and engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in discussions enhanced their risk perceptions and confidence about the impacts of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa. Additionally, stakeholder engagement helped refine potential strategies for implementing spatial management measures.
By adopting a social-ecological approach, this PhD thesis integrated ecological modelling, spatial impact analysis, and participatory methods to provide insights into the multiple effects of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa and their effective management. The findings that originated from this work can contribute to the development of climate-resilient marine spatial planning strategies aimed at strengthening the long-term protection of deep-sea VMEs as well as from additional impacts such as bottom trawling. Moreover, the thesis identifies key scientific knowledge gaps, including the need for connectivity analyses and recovery following disturbance from local stressors such as bottom trawling. This information can be useful to enhance the predictive power of species distribution models and the importance of broader stakeholder involvement—particularly the fishing industry—to facilitate the implementation of management initiatives in a socially just and equitable manner.

text: Protecting the deep: The combined impact of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa in New Zealand and implications for management The deep sea remains one of the least explored ecosystems on the planet, with 95% still uncharted. From what is known, it harbours critical habitat-forming species like cold-water corals and sponges that sustain extraordinary biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services, including supporting fisheries. These fragile ecosystems face escalating threats from climate change and bottom trawling, yet the extent of their impacts remains poorly understood. This PhD addresses these gaps by examining how these stressors influence Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicator taxa in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and explores implications for conservation. The research explores (i) climate change impacts and potential refugia, (ii) the added pressure of bottom trawling, and (iii) management strategies with policymakers and fishery regulators to fast-track spatial protection measures in the New Zealand region.
In Chapter 2, species distribution models were used to predict the spatial distribution of density for several deep-water VME indicator taxa under present-day environmental conditions and two future climate scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0) projected by the end of the 21st century. Results showed a significant decline in both the density (54%) and spatial extent (61%) of all assessed taxa under future conditions compared to the current day. However, the models also identified potential climate refugia: areas where certain taxa may persist despite changing environmental pressures, representing crucial conservation targets. This and previous research, however, indicate that existing spatial management measures with respect to bottom trawling may be insufficient to protect VME indicator taxa now and into the future. This suggests that present-day densities, even within potential climate refugia areas, may have already declined due to this activity.
Chapter 3 examines the impact of bottom trawling by estimating the density loss of VME indicator taxa in high-density areas, particularly climate refugia, in New Zealand waters over the past 30 years. Bottom trawling was predicted to have reduced the current density of all assessed taxa across the study region, with the most pronounced reductions in taxon density and habitat extent (up to 10% loss) occurring in areas predicted to be climate refugia. Such declines may undermine the ability of taxa to form ecologically functional habitats in the future if these impacts persist.
The interplay between climate change and bottom trawling presents a complex multi-stressor scenario for VMEs and their indicator taxa. Addressing these cumulative impacts requires integrated approaches that simultaneously consider ecological and social dimensions to provide the scientific knowledge required to support management decisions.
Chapter 4 introduces a social-ecological perspective by combining density-based spatial analysis of VME indicator taxa distributions under multiple stressors (e.g., climate change and bottom trawling) with participatory methods, including interviews and group elicitation with policy regulators and fishery experts. This approach aimed to assess risk perceptions, inform potential management actions, and identify barriers and solutions for effective conservation in the New Zealand region. Findings revealed that presenting additional scientific evidence and engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in discussions enhanced their risk perceptions and confidence about the impacts of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa. Additionally, stakeholder engagement helped refine potential strategies for implementing spatial management measures.
By adopting a social-ecological approach, this PhD thesis integrated ecological modelling, spatial impact analysis, and participatory methods to provide insights into the multiple effects of climate change and bottom trawling on VME indicator taxa and their effective management. The findings that originated from this work can contribute to the development of climate-resilient marine spatial planning strategies aimed at strengthening the long-term protection of deep-sea VMEs as well as from additional impacts such as bottom trawling. Moreover, the thesis identifies key scientific knowledge gaps, including the need for connectivity analyses and recovery following disturbance from local stressors such as bottom trawling. This information can be useful to enhance the predictive power of species distribution models and the importance of broader stakeholder involvement—particularly the fishing industry—to facilitate the implementation of management initiatives in a socially just and equitable manner.

year: 2025-08-24

title: The LIDS Research Project: usability study report (1/2002)

authors: Thomson, Kirsten

subjects: computer science

abstract: This report represents the University of Waikato Usability Laboratory’s (Usability Laboratory) analysis of the Large Interactive Display Screen (LIDS) technologies as developed by the LIDS Research Group. 
The Usability Laboratory conducted three exploratory-type studies of the LIDS technology over January and February 2002.  The studies each focused on individual elements of the LIDS technology, while at the same time contributing to the general understanding and knowledge of the technology.

text: The LIDS Research Project: usability study report (1/2002) This report represents the University of Waikato Usability Laboratory’s (Usability Laboratory) analysis of the Large Interactive Display Screen (LIDS) technologies as developed by the LIDS Research Group. 
The Usability Laboratory conducted three exploratory-type studies of the LIDS technology over January and February 2002.  The studies each focused on individual elements of the LIDS technology, while at the same time contributing to the general understanding and knowledge of the technology.

year: 2002-07

title: Chief Justice James Prendergast and the administration of New Zealand colonial justice, 1862-1899

authors: Morris, Grant Hamilton

abstract: The New Zealand legal system during the nineteenth-century was in a state of rapid change and constant turmoil. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the British Crown in 1840, British immigration to New Zealand began in earnest. As a British colony, New Zealand gradually acquired the British legal system and adapted it to suit the colonial environment. These adaptations resulted in conflict with Maori and eventually the supremacy of British law in New Zealand. 

This thesis explores the role of James Prendergast in helping to create the colonial New Zealand legal system. Prendergast served as Attorney-General of New Zealand from 1865 to 1875 and Chief Justice of New Zealand from 1875 to 1899. Firstly, the English background of Prendergast is analysed and provided as a context for his actions in New Zealand. Then, Prendergast’s rise to power in New Zealand is explored, focusing primarily on his roles as Attorney-General and Chief Justice. Particular attention is paid to Prendergast’s relationship with Maori, his enduring legacy in New Zealand statute and case law and the relationship between English law and the colonial New Zealand legal system. The recent vilification of Prendergast by modern scholars is detailed, especially in relation to Prendergast’s decision in the case, Wi Parata v Bishop of Wellington (1877). Finally, an assessment is made of Prendergast’s life, legacy and influence in New Zealand legal history. 

Several important conclusions are reached through the study of the life of James Prendergast. Through his words, actions and judgments, Prendergast played a highly influential role in the development of the New Zealand legal system. Prendergast is more than just the two-dimensional figure that he has become in modern scholarship. Many of Prendergast’s actions that were considered successful by contemporary colonial society are also the actions for which Prendergast is now criticised by modern New Zealand society. A clash has occurred between the standards of the past and the views of the present. 

This thesis also proffers the argument that the English legal system was of overwhelming importance in the development of the New Zealand legal system and the administration of colonial justice. The central problem in adapting the English system to the New Zealand environment was the inflexibility of the law in the face of indigenous people’s rights. Prendergast was a product of Victorian England and failed to come to terms with Maori society. While he was a competent judge who left a legacy of common law precedent, Prendergast’s main success was as an administrator and leader of the colonial legal environment. While the Wi Parata decision of 1877 was legally dubious, it is misleading to judge Prendergast's career solely by this one decision. 

James Prendergast is a pivotal figure in the study of nineteenth-century New Zealand legal history. He has left a legacy of legal precedent and jurisprudential controversy. This judicial biography provides an account of his successes and failures throughout his long and eventful life.

text: Chief Justice James Prendergast and the administration of New Zealand colonial justice, 1862-1899 The New Zealand legal system during the nineteenth-century was in a state of rapid change and constant turmoil. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the British Crown in 1840, British immigration to New Zealand began in earnest. As a British colony, New Zealand gradually acquired the British legal system and adapted it to suit the colonial environment. These adaptations resulted in conflict with Maori and eventually the supremacy of British law in New Zealand. 

This thesis explores the role of James Prendergast in helping to create the colonial New Zealand legal system. Prendergast served as Attorney-General of New Zealand from 1865 to 1875 and Chief Justice of New Zealand from 1875 to 1899. Firstly, the English background of Prendergast is analysed and provided as a context for his actions in New Zealand. Then, Prendergast’s rise to power in New Zealand is explored, focusing primarily on his roles as Attorney-General and Chief Justice. Particular attention is paid to Prendergast’s relationship with Maori, his enduring legacy in New Zealand statute and case law and the relationship between English law and the colonial New Zealand legal system. The recent vilification of Prendergast by modern scholars is detailed, especially in relation to Prendergast’s decision in the case, Wi Parata v Bishop of Wellington (1877). Finally, an assessment is made of Prendergast’s life, legacy and influence in New Zealand legal history. 

Several important conclusions are reached through the study of the life of James Prendergast. Through his words, actions and judgments, Prendergast played a highly influential role in the development of the New Zealand legal system. Prendergast is more than just the two-dimensional figure that he has become in modern scholarship. Many of Prendergast’s actions that were considered successful by contemporary colonial society are also the actions for which Prendergast is now criticised by modern New Zealand society. A clash has occurred between the standards of the past and the views of the present. 

This thesis also proffers the argument that the English legal system was of overwhelming importance in the development of the New Zealand legal system and the administration of colonial justice. The central problem in adapting the English system to the New Zealand environment was the inflexibility of the law in the face of indigenous people’s rights. Prendergast was a product of Victorian England and failed to come to terms with Maori society. While he was a competent judge who left a legacy of common law precedent, Prendergast’s main success was as an administrator and leader of the colonial legal environment. While the Wi Parata decision of 1877 was legally dubious, it is misleading to judge Prendergast's career solely by this one decision. 

James Prendergast is a pivotal figure in the study of nineteenth-century New Zealand legal history. He has left a legacy of legal precedent and jurisprudential controversy. This judicial biography provides an account of his successes and failures throughout his long and eventful life.

year: 2001