MTM aims to do the following in the next “Detailed Case Study” phase of the MTM research programme:
In the Tauranga Moana case study:
- Develop and implement a Cultural Health Index.
- Broad scale surveying of the harbour to understand the role of various anthropogenic stressors on biodiversity. This will include:
- Sample flora and fauna sampling, with associated sediment samples to quantify sedimentation, nutrients and pollutants.
- Macro invertebrates assessments including quantification of the presence of flora including macroalgae, seagrasses and sea lettuce.
- Physical data measures such as grain size, organic content, chlorophyll a and heavy metal sediment concentrations.
- Mapping the distribution of key species and environmental variables.
- Develop community health models, which can be used for future monitoring to assess whether sites are improving or degrading over time.
- Determine the current extent of shellfish beds and identify the factors that affect intertidal and subtidal species distribution.
- Determine the relative effects of sediments and nutrients on seagrass beds (possibly).
- Incorporation of Matauranga Maori knowledge into “story” about health of the moana.
For more information about the BroadScale Survey and resultant models to be developed from that data, please see the Report - Continue work on valuation of coastal ecosystem services.
- Spatial modelling of key ecosystems and ecosystem services.
- Further analysis and modelling of the economic activity in Tauranga and its environmental impact on the coast.
In the Horowhenua coast case study:
- Water quality and shellfish monitoring. This will include:
- Catchment analysis and Microbial Source Tracking tests, focussing on the Waiwiri Stream, to determine faecal bacteria levels and where such pollutants are coming from.
- Review of factors affecting shellfish populations
- as much capability development and local participation as possible in data collection and monitoring.
Report is due for release in early 2012. - A scoping study to determine restoration options for the Ohau Loop.
See the final report here - Integrative dynamic modelling of the key factors that impact on the coastal region.
- Work with local groups to further examine issues surrounding the degradation of dune wetlands/lake systems, and identify restoration options.
- Collection and analysis of Matauranga Maori /Oral History, and assess impact of (re)-engagement in coastal restoration on mana and wellbeing.
- Continue work on valuation of coastal ecosystem services.
- Spatial modelling of key ecosystems and ecosystem services.
- Further analysis and modelling of the economic activity in the rohe and its environmental impact on the coast.
Details about these case studies can be found here
