Participatory tools
We are developing web-based tools to enable New Zealanders to interact with and use knowledge generated by the Sustainable Seas Challenge.
Project leader: Ross Vennell, Cawthron Institute
Duration: April 2016 – November 2019
Budget: $580,000
Status: Ongoing
We are developing interactive web-based applications that will help inform management and decision-making in the marine environment. These tools will potentially be used by regional councils, government policy-makers, iwi and commercial fisheries.
The first tool we are developing shows how management decisions in the Tasman and Golden Bay region may affect the marine environment and influence the scallop fishery. It will help users understand how their management decisions could impact the productivity and quality of the marine environment. The application uses a ‘Bayesian Network’ to connect environmental management strategies with ecosystem properties.
The second tool allows users to explore how the ocean and coast are connected by ocean flows. It is based on ocean modelling data. Online users will be able to drop virtual plastic into the ocean and discover where it will end up. We have data for the Cook Strait and Tasman-Golden Bays, which show how well areas within the region are connected. For example, plastic from Tasman Bay is predicted to end up on the Kapiti Coast after 15 days, with some passing through Cook Strait and reaching the Wairarapa Coast in 20 days.
These web-based tools are currently undergoing testing and development and are expected to be available online in 2019.
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Where's our research happening?
We’ve developed an interactive map that shows the locations and key information of all our research projects. The aim is to help connect people with the research happening in their community.
Media statement: Today's marine environment report from MfE and StatsNZ
Julie Hall, Director: "It is deeply concerning that the state of our marine environment has not improved in the last three years. Resilient coasts and oceans are essential to New Zealanders' health and wealth, so urgent action is needed to address the decline. There is a growing need for ecosystem-based management (EBM) to holistically manage risk and sustain Aotearoa's coasts and oceans. This is even more important given the ongoing impacts of climate change."
Job opportunity: Communications advisor
Do you have science communication skills and at least 2 years experience? Do you care about Aotearoa's oceans and how people use/value our seas? Then we've got a job for you.