Café Scientifique Tauranga | Stingrays — But They’re Everywhere, Why Should I Care?

The next Café Scientifique Tauranga event will feature marine scientist Helen Cadwalladar speaking about stingray ecology and coastal ecosystems in the Bay of Plenty.

Stingrays are common visitors to estuaries and harbours around Aotearoa New Zealand, yet their ecological roles are still being actively researched. Adobe images.

Marine scientist Helen Cadwalladar, a Research Associate at the University of Waikato specialising in elasmobranch ecology, will discuss the behaviour and ecological roles of stingrays and eagle rays in estuarine and coastal habitats.

Although commonly seen in harbours and along marine walls around Aotearoa New Zealand, stingrays remain relatively understudied locally. This talk will explore:

• Why stingrays matter in coastal ecosystems

• What their diets and behaviours reveal about marine environments

• How their ecological role connects with wider marine food webs

• Insights from research conducted in the Bay of Plenty

Many people recognise stingrays for their role as prey for large sharks — but their ecological importance goes far beyond this. Helen’s research sheds light on what these animals are doing beneath the surface and why they matter for healthy coastal ecosystems.

Event details

📅 Monday 23 March

📍 Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

🕖 Doors open 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start

🎟 $10 entry 

⏰ Event concludes before 9pm

To register, please get in touch with with Julia Banks: julia.banks60@gmail.com

Ngā mihi to Julia Banks for organising and sharing this event.