Today, Bream Bay witnessed a huge display of unity and determination as over 50 boats of all shapes and sizes took to the water for the Great Boat Protest.
Hundreds of whānau, friends, and community members joined forces to send a clear and resounding message: SAY NO TO SAND MINING IN BREAM BAY.
The protest was sparked by a fast-track application from McCallum Bros to mine a staggering 8.6 million cubic metres of marine sand, five days a week, for 35 years. If approved, this project would see a 17 km² area of seabed dredged, with operations as close as 4.2 km from the shore. Using a trailing suction dredge, the process releases fine sediment plumes, smothering marine life, degrading water quality, and causing far-reaching environmental damage.
The impacts of such large-scale sand extraction are profound. Coastal and river erosion, seabed removal, increased turbidity, and changes to tides and currents are just the beginning. The dredge head creates dead zones, with sediment plumes lowering oxygen levels and smothering seafloor plants.
These plumes can drift for miles, triggering coastal erosion and threatening the delicate balance of Bream Bay’s marine ecosystem.
Bream Bay is not just a beautiful coastline - it’s a vital marine habitat, home to a unique and thriving ecosystem. It supports fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, while also sustaining local industries like fishing and tourism.
Bream Bay’s Thriving Underwater World: A Glimpse Beneath the Surface
On the day, scientist and photographer Shaun Lee captured photos of the sea bed and shared an eyewitness account of the marine life that is thriving on Bream Bay’s seafloor.
The images reveal a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life — algae tufts, fields of tubeworms, hermit crabs gathering, scallops, and sponges, all bustling with activity. While documenting this underwater world, Shaun listened to the calls of kororā / little penguins nearby. These photos showcase the health and vitality of Bream Bay’s marine environment, a powerful reminder of the rich biodiversity beneath.
Join the movement. Stay informed. Take action.
Sandmining devastates the sea floor and destroys marine habitats for the entire ecosystem. If you haven't yet, please sign and share the petition to Stop Sand Mining. It has been lodged with Parliament and time is of the essence.
Today’s protest was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. The community’s message was clear: Te Akau Bream Bay is worth protecting. The fight against sand mining is far from over, but with this level of passion and commitment, the voices of Bream Bay will not be silenced.
Together, we can ensure that this precious marine environment remains alive and thriving for generations to come. Say no to sand mining. Protect Bream Bay.
Sign and share the petition today: