This paper considers the the Indigenous approaches to ensuring Evechinus chloroticus sea urchin, Jasus edwardsii spiny red crayfish or red rock lobster, Haliotis iris black foot abalone, Perna canaliculus green lipped mussel, Anguilla dieffenbachii long-finned eel, Anguilla australis short finned eel and various seaweeds and algae remain secure for Indigenous, coastal tribes of the East Coast of the North Island have secure food stocks that are culturally important for their customary, cultural and commerical wellbeing, now and into the future.
We examine the challenges for these tribes in their efforts to explore data-based decision-making to that supports self-determination in their marine environment, both life underwater and life on-land.
We also consider the role Indigenous Knowledge, and or Traditional Knowledge has to play in policy and legislation.