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).

Physical, chemical and biological monitoring of Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihuta for Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and the Ihutai Trust programme. Sampling frequency = annual infaunal, grain size and redox sampling (Mar/Apr), 5 yearly sediment quality sampling, monthly water quality sampling. Number of sites = 6 (benthic sampling) and 10 (water quality). Extent of site = 1600m2 (40m x 40m) sites in the estuary, 300m2 (15m x 20m) site in lower Heathcote River and 600m2 (10m x 60m) in lower Avon River. Number of replicates = 15 infaunal cores per site, 5 replicate sediment samples (composite) from 3 subplots per site, 1 water quality replicate per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identifed to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated; mudflat snails, crabs, cockles and wedge shells measured. Percentage cover of epiflora (macroalgae, zostera and benthic microalgae films). Sediment characteristics (grain size, ash free dry weight, redox, chlorophyll a, nitrogen, phosphorus, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper and arsenic). Water quality samples taken from top 0.5m of water column (salinity, DO%, DO mg/l, temperature, PH, E-coli, Enterococci, faecal coliforms, TP, DRP, TN, NNN, NH4, chloropyll a, turbidity, suspended solids, metals, organic carbon). Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined by Robertson et al. (2002). Water quality samples follow an internal protocol manual. Analysis by EOS Ecology and external (Malvern Particle Analyser).