River plume ecosystem
Research Status: Ongoing |
Motueka River discharging into Tasman Bay |
Introduction
The river plume ecosystem (RPE) is a relatively new global concept that has been adopted to explain the interaction between significant freshwater inputs (such as the Motueka River) and coastal marine receiving waters (such as Tasman Bay). This project defines the RPE in Tasman Bay and investigates its use for sustainable management of coastal resources.
Research Approach
A number of previous investigations have helped formulate the concept of the river plume ecosystem for management of Tasman Bay's fish and shellfish resources within the context of terrestrial and freshwater management. Research is focussed on a mix of real-time monitoring of the water column in Tasman Bay and more traditional sampling and analyses of seawater and seabed characteristics.
Research Results
The significance of the Motueka River to the productivity of Tasman Bay has been confirmed. This includes knowledge and importance of the actual freshwater inflow into Tasman Bay as well as the role of near bottom turbidity in terms of shellfish and primary production. The spatial extent of the RPE can generally vary from <50 to >300 km2 however during major floods the plume can extend to a much larger area (e.g. >1500 km2).
These results have led to redefinition of the area of the Motueka catchment to include the RPE. Findings have contributed to resource consent hearings in terms of aquaculture and marine farm development in both Tasman and Golden bays.
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Plume October 6, 2007. Photo: Graeme Butterfield |
Plume off Abel Tasman National Park |
Recent Publications
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Recent Presentations
BMPs, BEPs and Guidelines
| Title | Description |
| Marine Recreational Fishing Guidelines | |
| Hold it...We’re Cleaning Up the Coast: Dealing with sewage safely and responsibly on your boat |
From website: Information for boat owners on how to install and maintain the right sewage syst...More » |
| Guide to Marine Farming Consent Conditions for Deemed Coastal Permits |
From guide: This guide aims to support councils in planning for aquaculture1. It provides guid...More » |
Primary Contacts:
|
Chris Cornelisen
Email More details» |
Institute Cawthron Institute |
Expertise Marine ecologist |
|
Paul Gillespie
Email Phone: 03 548 2319 Fax: 03 546 9464 |
Institute Cawthron Institute |
Expertise Estuarine & marine microbial ecology |
