Monitoring of the Port Nelson dredge disposal area for contamination. Temporal coverage: first record 1992 (ongoing) Number of sites: 9 sites (3 in each of three zones - dumping area, spreading zone, control zone) Sampling frequency: Once in the second year after consent (1995) and thereafter at 3-yearly intervals. In 2007 this changed to 5-yearly intervals. Main marine environment sampled: Marine Depth zone: Subtidal Sedimentary type: Soft Community association: Mud Sampling method: Sediment cores, infauna cores, shellfish collection Parameters collected: Sediment contamination, infauna community composition, shellfish tissue contamination Measured variables: Infaunal community composition, sediment metals (Cu. Pb, ZN), sediment grain size, shellfish tissue (Austrofusus glans) contamination (organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, Hg), shellfish imposex assays Species/community data: Benthic infauna Other data collection: There was a baseline/preliminary survey carried out by the Cawthron Institute in 1992 (Roberts 1992) Ongoing as part of their consent Quality assurance: Yes
Monitoring of the benthic seabed in the vicinity of the Shakespeare Bay stormwater discharge (generated from Port facilities). Temporal coverage: from 2003 (ongoing) Number of sites: 2 outfall stations, 2 subtidal control stations, 1 outfall intertidal station and 2 control intertidal stations (to collect shellfish) Sampling frequency: Twice during the first year of Port operation (2003?) and then every two years. In 2007 this changed to 5-yearly intervals. Main marine environment sampled: Marine Depth zone: Subtidal Sedimentary type: Soft Community association: Unknown Sampling method: Sediment cores, infauna cores, shellfish collection Parameters collected: Unknown Measured variables: Sediment (grainsize, AFDW, TOC, nitrate, TN, metals, total hydrocarbons, organotin compounds), infaunal community composition, shellfish Mytilus edulis galloprovincialis (metals, SVOCs - 2009 onwards only PAHs were analysed, not all SVOCs). Species/community data: Benthic infauna Other data collection: Baseline survey was carried out by Kingett Mitchell & Associates Ltd in 1995 Ongoing as part of their consent Quality assurance: Yes