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environment

228 record(s)

 

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    EcoConnect is NIWA's environmental forecasting and information service specialising in the creation and delivery of information that increases awareness of a broad range of past, current, and future environmental conditions, and of decision tools that use this information to mitigate environmental and commercial risk. One of the main advantages of using EcoConnect is the integration of all observation and forecast data within one user interface. EcoConnect system is running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is fully supported by both scientific and technical staff.

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    Archive for Metadata about NIWA's permanent field measurements

  • The report provides an evaluation of the general characteristics of the Delaware Inlet and its contributing catchment and includes: 1. A compilation of background information relevant to the ecological condition of Delaware Inlet, 2. A digitised historical vegetation map of Delaware Inlet (1983), and 3. A preliminary ranking of the ecological status and values of Delaware Inlet - Decision Matrix. Range of depth: < 1.2 m neap tide to> 4.2 spring tide. Modifications to the Delaware Inlet and its contributing catchment include: Conversion of previously forested land for agriculture post-European settlement; potential enrichment effects from introduced nitrogen-fixing vegetation and addition of pasture fertiliser; conversion of large catchment areas to pine plantation and subsequent harvesting and effect on sediment; effect of the development of roading and flood control; adverse effects related to reduced water quality; the invasion and spread of the exotic bivalve Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster). Actions required include: broad-scale habitat mapping and fine-scale assessment of individual reference sites; use of standardised methods for comparison with other estuaries in the region and serve as a point-in-time baseline for future monitoring; need data describing water and shellfish faecal indicator concentrations in Delaware Inlet.

  • Physical and biological monitoring of sandy beaches within the Greater Wellington region for Greater Wellington Regional Council. Sampling sites are located on an eastern Wairarapa beach near Castlepoint. Sampling frequency = annually for the first 3 years then 5yearly (Jan/Feb/Mar). Sampling began in 2008 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 2 total on 1 beach. Extent of site = 2 transects spaced 50m apart spanning from high to low water marks. Number of replicates = 2 transects per site, 6 stations per transect, 3 replicate infaunal cores per station. Measured variables = Infaunal communities using 1mm mesh (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Sediment characteristics: grain size, redox (in field) and salinity. Sampling protocol & QA = Protocol similar to Aerts et al. (2004). External taxonomic identification of infauna.

  • Chemical monitoring of sediments in estuaries within the Waikato region for Waikato Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in the Firth of Thames, Whaingaroa (Raglan ) Harbour, Port Waikato, Aotea Harbour, Kawhia Harbour and Tairua Harbour. Sampling frequency = every 5 years. Sampling began in 2003 (not at all sites) and is ongoing, but irregular. Number of sites = 103 total; 10 sites have been monitored twice, and 93 sites sampled once so far. Extent of site = 10,000m2 (100m x 100m). Number of replicates = 12 per site. Measured variables = Sediment characteristics (cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper, arsenic, organics, antimony, mercury and silver). Sampling protocol & QA = Internal sampling protocol. All analysis on the sediment samples was undertaken on the sub-2mm fraction of the sediments and was conducted by Hills Laboratories

  • Water quality monitoring of coastal waters within the Bay of Plenty region for Environment Bay of Plenty. Sampling sites are representative of harbours and estuaries throughout the region. Sampling frequency = 2monthly. Sampling began in 1990 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 30 total (27 high tide sites of which 21 are current and 3 low tide sites). Number of replicates = 1 per site. Measured variables = Water quality: salinity, conductivity, DO%, DOmg/l, temp, PH, E coli, Enterococci, faecal coliforms, TP, DRP, TN, NNN, NH4, Chlorophyll a, turbidity, suspended solids and black disc. Sampling protocol & QA = Internal sampling protocol using MoH/MfE Guidelines

  • Physical, chemical and biological monitoring of subtidal sediments within the Greater Wellington region for Greater Wellington Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in Wellington and Porirua Harbours. Sampling frequency = 2-5yearly (Oct/Nov). Sampling began in 2004 (Porirua) and 2006 (Wellington) and is ongoing. Number of sites = 22 total: Porirua (5) and Wellington (17, though this will decrease to 10-11). Extent of site = 20m diameter circular plot. Depth range sampled: 1.7 m to 23.0 m. Number of replicates = 8 infaunal cores, 5 sediment samples (composed of 5 sediment cores each) per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Sediment characteristics: grain size, TOC cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper and arsenic. Sampling protocol & QA = External taxonomic identification of infauna. Sediment analysis external (Malvern Particle Analyser).

  • Beach profiling in the Waikato region for Waikato Regional Council. Sites are located on beaches on the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula (Port Jackson to Whiritoa inclusive) - apart from one site on the western side (Te Puru School). Sampling frequency = irregular until 2002, than 6monthly. Sampling began in 1978 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 34 total (12 beaches). Extent of site = dune to low water transect (usually less than 200m). Echo sounding at some sites up to 2km offshore. Number of replicates = 1 per site. Measured variables = Beach profiles. Sampling protocol & QA = Since 1996 we have adopted the Emery Pole method of profiling. This involves measuring the change in height between two 1.8 m graduated poles by sighting to a fixed point (usually the horizon) over short distances (3 to 5 metres) measured by a tape measure. More detail in Stewart (2002). Internal QA protocols.

  • Water quality monitoring of bathing waters within the Otago region for Otago Regional Council. Sampling frequency = weekly (Nov to Mar). Sampling began in 2003 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 2 total. Number of replicates = 1. Measured variables = Water samples taken and analysed for Enterococci. Sampling protocol & QA = Internal sampling protocol using MoH/MfE Guidelines

  • Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Auckland region for Auckland Council. Sampling sites are located in the Whangateau, Puhoi, Waiwera, Orewa, Okura, Mangemangeroa, Waikopua and Turanga estuaries. Sampling frequency = bi-annual (Apr and Oct). In addition, event based sampling (rainfall threshold) may also be conducted. Sampling began in 2001 (not at all sites) and is ongoing. Number of sites = 80 total (10 sites per estuary). Sites marked by GPS and special purpose navigational markers. Extent of site = 1250m2 (50m x 25m). Number of replicates = 6 per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities using 500um mesh (species identifed to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated, key bivalves measured). Sediment characteristics (grain size, TOC and chlorophyll a). Sampling protocol & QA = Internal, NIWA laboratories.