Who is ‘knot’ looking after Tīkapa?
Kayaking the coast of Waiheke is a sweet pastime for me and my best mate Tessa (and lovely Carys when she’s home with us). We have almost circumnavigated the motu through a series of short, fun, day-long excursions and the occasional super-adventurous two night mega kayak around the Bottom End. Exploring the small coves, caves and cracks by kayak allows you to access parts of Waiheke not frequented by boats or walkers. Finding natural treasures, amazing rock formations,albino kororā and other signs of our shared history on this island is such a treat.
So, late this summer, Tessa and I packed our bags with a picnic, togs and a survival kit (just in case – you never know!) and ventured off on our first kayak since Alana, Tessa’s daughter, was born last year. A short trip, we tell ourselves, just to get back into the swing of things. As we headed around the headland, we always feel the need to go ‘just a little bit further’, constantly seeking the best spot to stop for lunch. And we are never disappointed; Waiheke really is paradise. We are so very lucky, we tell ourselves. After lunch we scour the shore looking for treasures, and collecting all the rubbish our bags and kayaks can handle. There is always a lot. Beyond the lost jandals, mountains of pegs and bottle tops, there was one thing that was a bit of a mystery…all the knots!
Where are all the knots coming from? - What are they used for? - And why are they washing up on our shores?
Now these knots are not only found on remote bays, mixed among the flotsam and jetsam…they are everywhere! I challenge you to walk any beach on Waiheke and not stumble across these discarded pieces of rope, once used to steadily tie something to something else…but what? Big knots, little knots, black knots, blue knots. 18 knots in total from our last little kayak mission...
Research states that by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea and plastic currently makes up some 80% of all marine pollution. These rope knots bob around in the ocean, breaking down into micro plastics, easily digested by fish, ocean mammals and sea birds. Generally most ocean trash isn’t easily traceable. These knots though…the source is close, and we can feel it. I’ve heard murmurings of where they may come from but haven’t had a definitive answer…yet.
Do you know?
Tell us more! - Let’s let the knot maker know that their knots are not welcome in our ocean!
Kristin Busher
Project Participant