The assessment comprised: Side-scan-sonar swath mapping of the site to characterise seabed topography and habitat types in the vicinity of the proposed extension. Photoquadrats of the seabed to ground-truth side-scan results and to further describe the seabed habitats in the vicinity of the proposed extension. Samples of large-bodied epifauna using a biologists sled, to aid in characterising the ecological features within the extension. Diver observations and core sampling of benthic organisms. Analysis of results and assessment of the ecological effects of the proposed extension. Consideration of the potential impact of farming new species including the molluscs blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), dredge oyster (Tiostrea chilensis), scallop (Pecten novaezelandiae), pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and geoduck (Panopea zelandica), and the seaweeds Macrocystis pyrifera, Ecklonia radiata, Gracilaria and Pterocladia lucida. The seabed beneath the proposed extension was mainly gently sloping mud habitat with areas of sand/shell habitat and reef inshore of the proposed site. A dense population of burrowing shrimp (Upogebia hirtifrons) was also noted adjacent to the inshore boundary of the site. Such burrow systems are a biogenic habitat of ecological value. Scallops (Pecten novaezelandiae) were noted within the offshore portion of the proposed extension at densities estimated to be between 0.1 and 5 per m2 in patches.

Just Mussels LTD engaged NIWA to complete a benthic survey and assessment as part of a coastal permit application for an extension to marine farm 8321, in Wilson Bay, Pelorus Sound. This assessment comprised side-scan-sonar swath mapping of sites to characterise seabed topography, photoquadrats of the seabed to ground-truth the side-scans, samples of epifauana, diver observations and core sampling. The report indicated that the proposed extension is not expected to cause any significant adverse ecological effects. The ecological effects of farming the proposed additional mollusc species are likely to be no greater than the effects of farming green mussels. Farming of the algal species (as proposed) is unlikely to have any significant ecological effects. The report identifies a dense population of burrowing shrimp (Upogebia hirtifrons) adjacent to the inshore boundary of the site. However, the report notes that there is unlikely to be any significant detrimental effect of the proposed extension to the shrimp burrow habitat.

Aquaculture Direct engaged NIWA to complete a benthic survey and ecological assessment as part of a coastal permit application for an extension to marine farm 8203, near Camel Point, at the entrance to Tennyson Inlet, Pelorus Sound. This assessment comprised side-scan-sonar swath mapping of sites to characterise seabed topography, photo-quadrats of the seabed to ground-truth the side-scans and sled samples. The report indicated that the proposed extension is not expected to cause any significant adverse ecological effects. The ecological effects of farming the proposed additional mollusc species are likely to be no greater than the effects of farming green mussels. Farming of the algal species (as proposed) is unlikely to have any significant ecological effects. Work was completed during May-July 2014.