Physical and biological monitoring of sandy beaches within the Southland region for Environment Southland. Sampling sites are located on Porpise and Orepuki Beach. Sampling frequency = annually for 3 years, then 5yearly (Feb). Sampling began in 2008 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 2 beaches. 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). Sampling protocol & QA = External taxonomic identification of infauna (Gary Stevenson of Coastal Marine Ecology Consultants). Basic sediment grain size = 2mm & 63µm sieves, gravimetric (% gravel, sand, and silt) conducted by Hills Laboratories.

Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Southland region for Environment Southland. Sampling sites are located in the New River; Jacobs River; Waikawa Estuaries, Toetoes Harbour, Haldane Estuary, Bluff Harbour, Waiau Lagoon, Waimatuku and Freshwater Estuary on Stewart Island. Sampling frequency = 3-5 yearly for benthic and sediment sampling, 5-7yearly for habitat mapping (mid Feb). Sampling began in 2001 (not at all sites) and is ongoing. Number of sites = 10 estuaries (2-3 sites per estuary). Extent of site = 1800m2 (60m x 30m). Number of replicates = 10 infaunal cores, quadrats and sediment samples per site, 4 sediment plates per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Epifaunal quadrat (0.25m2). Sediment characteristics: Grain size, ash free dry weight, redox (in field), nitrogen, phosphorus, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium and copper. Sediment erosion/deposition (cm/y): depth of sediment layer measured (using 4 sediment plates buries at most sites). Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined by Robertson et al. (2002). Internal QA procedures. Larger fauna are indentified internally with small and cryptic animals sent to external taxonomic experts. Sediment analysis external (Malvern Particle Analyser). Baseline habitat information for estuaries started 2001-2007, entire south coast mapped 2008 (Coastal Risk Assessment): Broad-scale habitat (vegetation and substrate types) mapping as per the National Estuary Monitoring Protocol (Robertson et al. 2002): combination of aerial photography, detailed ground-truthing (info gathered in the field) and GIS-based digital mapping are used to record the primary habitat features present.