Supporting Tawaki Research
The Fiordland Crested Penguin - Tawaki
Fiordland Expeditions are pleased to be assisting ‘The Tawaki Project’ team with their research learning about the habitat and populations of this little studied species of penguin, that are found in Fiordland, situated in the very southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island.
When Thomas Mattern and his team were looking for a partner to help them get around in this amazing isolated environment we jumped at the chance to give something back to this amazing part of the planet.
Populations
Though an attempt to asses populations has been previously done it was limited in scope and support and could not fulfill all the necessary parameters to get the best picture of what is happening with these amazing aquatic birds.
Today Fiordland Expeditions are happy to assist with the provision of a vessel and time from crew to help with the efforts to get a better understanding of where the populations and habitats are currently at.
Recent Efforts
Over the past few seasons Fiordland Expeditions have been assisting The Tawaki Project with their research providing the MV Tutoko as a base to work from to get to the more remote areas in harsher conditions than was previously possible.
The things we are learning are giving a far better understanding of these incredible creatures, their habitats and their behaviors; all invaluable information to ensure the right protections are in place to ensure their survival as the changing climate takes effect.
How you can help
So far we have been able to assist a limited capacity when the vessel was not required for its usual work.
The plan is to dedicate this vessel when needed but this will require more support than we are able to give.
Research in these isolated environs can be quite expensive so we’re looking for donations to help with the overall costs of performing this much needed investigation.
It doesn’t have to be big; small amounts add up and anything you can help with is very much appreciated.
Please donate via the link donation box to the right.
With your support we will be able to increase our efforts and the more effort we can undertake the better the understanding of what these incredible creatures need for survival.
All donations made through our site go directly to The Tawaki Project.
Watching me watching her.
