This article provides an overview of research which used mātauranga moana (Māori marine knowledge systems) to inform and assist Western science field research methods and surveys. Place-based Māori marine knowledge identified the traditional distribution range and sizing of taonga (culturally important) species in traditional coastal areas which had been fished and managed by consecutive generations of Māori; kina, Evechinus chloroticus, sea urchin; koura, Jasus edwardsii, red rock lobster; kūtai, Perna canaliculus, green lipped mussel; and pāua, Haliotis iris, abalone. This knowledge was then mapped and used as the baseline for sub-tidal marine science field research surveys. Findings from the transdisciplinary marine research was used to develop management actions to assist Māori and Government entities for improving, enhancing and safeguarding marine taonga species into the future. This article critically discusses and demonstrates the relevance and complementarity of mātauranga Māori and Western science, and the importance of kaupapa Māori strategies for empowering Māori collaboration and voices in marine research co-development, implementation and communication.