Forecasting contamination risk for shellfish harvest and beach use
We have developed a near real-time forecasting tool for Tasman and Golden Bays to help predict when aquaculture sites and beaches are safe to access.
Project leader: Ben Knight, Cawthron Institute
Duration: February 2017 – September 2019
Budget: $450,000
Status: Ongoing
Seawater in Tasman and Golden Bays is periodically contaminated with bacteria, causing temporary closure of commercial shellfish harvest and public beaches. The aquaculture industry and regional councils want more accurate and timely forecasting to better predict and manage risk. We are creating the first near real-time forecasting tool for the region, which will improve the prediction of contamination risk.
The coasts are at the ‘end of the pipe’ for discharge from local rivers and streams, so seawater quality is sometimes compromised by bacteria from land-based activities. This can affect the revenue of shellfish growing areas and close local beaches to public use.
Although improved land management practices may ultimately reduce contamination risk, our research aims to improve forecasting so that beaches are not closed when bacterial levels are within safe limits and harvesting of shellfish is not unnecessarily delayed.
Our team of national experts, from the Cawthron Institute, NIWA and MetOcean Solutions Limited, have built connected models from the land to the region’s main rivers to the sea. We have combined river flow estimates with river bacterial measurements to predict contaminant discharges on the coast. The model is a daily forecast – like a weather map – of river plumes entering the sea and contaminant measurements that accurately estimate contaminant risk.
Video
Ben Knight (Cawthron Institute) has developed a tool for forecasting bacterial contamination in Tasman Golden Bay. The tool was developed with the Cawthron Institute, NIWA & MetOcean Solutions.
Latest news and updates
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.