Physical and biological monitoring of estuaries within the Hawke's Bay region for Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Sampling sites are located in the Porangahau and Ahuriri estuaries. Sampling frequency = annual (Mar). Sampling began in 2006 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 5 total. Extent of site = 1800m2 (60m x 30m). Number of replicates = 10 infaunal cores and 10 sediment samples per site. Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Epifaunal quadrat (0.25m2). Sediment characteristics (Basic grain size only, TOC, ash free dry weight, redox, chlorophyll a, nitrogen, phosphorus, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, chromium, copper and arsenic). Sampling protocol & QA = Benthic and sediment sampling use similar methods to those outlined by Robertson et al. (2002). Internal QA procedures. Sediment analysis by Cawthron Ltd and Hills Laboratory.
Biological monitoring of intertidal reefs deemed as significant conservation areas or areas of interest within the Hawke's Bay region for Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Sampling frequency = annual (Nov). Sampling began in 2008 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 2 reefs Extent of site = Cross-shore descriptive transect run from cliff toe to low tide mark. Long-shore transects taken at mid and low intertidal zones. Number of replicates = approx 11 per site (varies), quadrats taken every 2metres along long-shore transect. Measured variables = Epifaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated in the field, any any difficult samples brought back and photographed sent to expert if required). Sampling protocol & QA = None found
Biological monitoring of beaches of interest (e.g. those with high ecological values or planned development) within the Hawke's Bay region for Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Sampling frequency = annual (Dec). Sampling began in 2007 and is ongoing. Number of sites = Variable (2 years sampling at each beach, then rotate to another beach). 6 sites so far, with a maximum of 9 to sample. Extent of site = Transects spaced 50m apart spanning from dune to low water. Number of replicates = 2 sites per beach, 3 transects per site, 2 infaunal cores per transect (at mid and low tide). Measured variables = Infaunal communities (species identified to lowest taxonomic level possible and enumerated). Sampling protocol & QA = 5% of infaunal cores sent for QA
Physical and chemical monitoring of open coastal water in the Hawke's Bay region for Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Sampling frequency = 6weekly. Sampling began in 2006 and is ongoing. Number of sites = 7 total. Extent of site = most sites are up current of river mouths, except 1 estuary (7-10m depth, less than 1km from shore). Number of replicates = 1 per site. Measured variables = Water quality: Conductivity, DO%, DOmg/l, temp, PH (YSI 556), Enterococci (NZ Labs - APHA 9230C mE), TP, DRP, TKN, NO2, NNN, NH4, suspended solids (Hills Labs APHA 4500-NO3 I), TN, NO3 (Hills Labs calculations), Turbidity (Turbiquant meter), Chlorophyll a (Cawthron), water depth (recorded in field). Sampling protocol & QA = Internal field monitoring protocol and QA procedures. Water samples taken from top 0.5m of water column (salinity and DO% checks made against water at 5m).