Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Hawke's Bay region for Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in the Porangahau and Ahuriri estuaries. Sampling frequency = annual (Mar). Sampling began in 2006 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 5 total. Extent of site = 1800m2 (60m x 30m). Number of replicates = 10 infaunal cores and 10 sediment samples per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Epifaunal quadrat (0.25m2). Sediment characteristics (Basic grain size only, TOC, ash free dry weight, redox, chlorophyll a, nitrogen, phosphorus, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper and arsenic). Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined by Robertson et al. (2002). Internal QA procedures. Sediment analysis by Cawthron Ltd and Hills Laboratory.

Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Canterbury region for Environment Canterbury. Sampling sites are located in Brooklands Lagoon, Ashley/Saltwater Creek Estuary, Okains Bay estuary, Akaroa Harbour and Lyttelton Harbour. Sampling frequency = annual (Mar/Apr) for infaunal cores and sediment, 2-6yearly (Aug-Oct) for other sediment quality samples. Sampling began in 2009 (2010 for sediments) and is ongoing. Number of sites = 18 (benthic sampling at 8). Extent of site = ecological sites: 1200m2 (60m x 20m), sediment sites: 1000m2 (50m x 20m). Number of replicates = 12 infaunal core samples, 5 replicate sediment samples (composite of 10 subsamples) per site. Measured variables = infaunal communities (species identifed to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated), sediment characteristics (annual): grain size, reodx (in field) chlorophyll-a, organic matter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and total recoverable phosphorus. 6yearly sediment analyses measure grain size, redox (in field), ash-free dry weight, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, cromium, copper, arsenic and organics. Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined in the Estuary Monitoring Protocol by Robertson et al. (2002). All animals are identified internally, external taxonomic experts used for individuals not able to be identified. Sediment quality: Follows the methodology developed by ARC.The top 2 cm of sediment is sampled, and processing is outsourced (Malvern Particle Analyser).