Hey guys,

Today I went Tuatua hunting at Mount Maunganui. The last time I went was just before Christmas and the pipi beds at low tide went for about 500 meters. It was impossible not to get them and we soon had our bags full and were able to go off Terakihi fishing.

Today we were taking the boat out again and so I decided to go grab some more. Went out at low tide to the same place we had gone just before Christmas. Not a single pipi to be found....waded out to my knees / waist and we couldn't find any, walked about a km without any success. Instead, there were heaps of them (not as many as youd find in a bed but every few meters or so there would be a couple) on top of the sand, not trying to bury themselves..then we came across this massive amount all in one area, all on top of the sand, all not trying to bury themselves. They seemed alive but none that I saw had their tongues out (I broke open a couple and they were definitely alive - still holding on)

Anyway, collected a few for fishing and went home to open them. They look quite funny...a really bright yellow/ orange colour and dont look very well. I know mussels can get sick during bad weather and spew their guts, and they often get thin or fat...but yeah I wonder whats going on with the pipis. I googled it, but cant find anything. I know that theres alot of toxins around at the moment - which is why we cant eat them, but I dunno what the story is here.

Does anyone know why the pipi beds would be gone now, why there would be heaps of pipis just sitting on the sand, or why the colour/look is strange??


heres a pic of one....dunno if it shows too well


Thanks :)

It's because of the Rena!

Seriously, i wouldn't have a clue though.

Absolutely worth it. Thats what the site is for.

I find a lot washed up on the tide line at Ohope beach but they have chew marks on the end of the shells and the tongue partially bitten off from snapper feeding on the deep beds.

NoSchist should be able to add to that theory.

Tua tua or pipi, 2 different things aren't they?

[QUOTE=Tonto2] Tua tua or pipi, 2 different things aren't they?[/QUOTE]

I alse tried to find Tutatuas, on Pukehina beach - where in all previous years, have found oodles. Couldnt find any.

That looks like a tuatua to me, pipi have a more symmetric shape. Dunno about the colour though I haven't had a good pipi or tuatua fest in years.

They are definately a very diffent colour to the ones we got before xmas.

Any idea why theyd just be on the top of the water? and not try dig them selves down?>