To satisfy resource consent conditions at a mussel farm site near Beacon Rock and Blind Bay, Banks Peninsula, Sanford LTD commissioned NIWA to conduct a benthic monitoring survey. Sampling for this project included a benthic grab and benthic sled to obtain samples to describe sediment physicochemical characteristics, and benthic assemblages at sample sites established along transects extending to the northwest, north and east of the farm block.

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.

The Marlborough District council is developing the second generation of its resource management plan for the Pelorus Sounds area. This includes, amongst other things, the identification and protection of significant marine biological sites, and the development of marine farming provisions. Pelorus Sound is a key location for both significant sites and activities This project provides a historic context for understanding how the Pelorus has changed, and will assist in the development of environmental outcomes for seabed habitats of planning provision. This project uses the Compound Specific Stable Isotope (CSSI) method developed by NIWA scientist, Max Gibbs, that can identify and apportion, by land use on a catchment scale, the sources of soil contributing to the sediment at a location of an estuary (Gibbs 2008).

To satisfy resource consent conditions for monitoring at 2 adjacent mussel farm sites in Port Levy, Sanford LTD commissioned NIWA to conduct a benthic monitoring survey using methods detailed in the resource consent. Sampling for this project included a benthic grab and benthic sled to obtain samples to describe sediment physicochemical characteristics, and benthic assemblages at sample sites established along transects extending to the northwest, north and east of the farm block. Results showed no evidence that the mussel farming activity had caused significant impacts to the benthic habitat or communities beyond farm boundaries.

Plant and Food Research engaged NIWA to design and implement a survey programme to monitor the effects of an experimental fish feeding operation on the benthic environment in Nelson Haven, to satisfy resource consent requirements. This was conducted to assess whether the feeding programme would adversely affect the local benthic environment, the survey focussed on measuring key indicators of organic enrichment. To do this, a range of sediment physicochemical parameters were characterised using benthic cores and sledding methods. Parameters included: sediment grain size, sediment organic content, sediment colour and smell, and redox potential of surficial sediment,and also biotic features including: the composition of animal communities living upon and within the sediments, and the distribution and abundance of macroalgae. This report describes the survey undertaken 8 months after the commencement of the fish feeding activity. Benthic and sediment data from 7 sites have been processed, checked, analysed, and summarised in the client report. Previous reports in this time series are: Brown, S. N. (2014a). Wildfish 2030: Benthic Monitoring Baseline Survey. Report prepared for Plant and Food Research Ltd. NIWA Client Report No. NEL2014-013. 18 p. Brown, S. N. (2014b). Wildfish 2030: Benthic Monitoring Survey – First post baseline survey. Report prepared for Plant and Food Research Ltd. NIWA Client Report No. NEL2014-021.18 p.