To satisfy resource consent conditions for monitoring at 2 mussel farm sites in Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula, Pigeon Bay Aquaculture LTD commissioned NIWA to conduct a survey of the seabed beneath the 2 farm sites.Sampling for this project included a benthic grab, core samples and benthic dredge at sample sites established along 4 transects extending to the north, east, east(middle) and south of the farms. At each site, measurements and observations were performed to characterise key indicators of benthic effects including sediment grain size, sediment organic content, sediment smell and colour, depth of sediment, redox layer, infaunal community composition, epifaunal community composition, and shell drop. Results showed no evidence that the mussel farming activity had caused significant adverse impacts to the benthic habitat or communities beyond and beneath farm boundaries.