$6.5m boost for harbour

The problems of pollution, sedimentation and sea lettuce build up in Tauranga Harbour are going to have at least $6.5 million spent on them this year.

But the black swans which are considered on their own to be a significant environmental hazard are ignored in the plan for the next year, approved by regional councillors last week.

Money is being spent on everything but the swans.

The harbour is generally in good shape by national environmental standards, says Regional Councillor Paula Thompson.

'We're committed to keeping it that way and making it even better. What happens on land affects the harbour so our work is planned in an integrated way across the catchment; from the top of the Kaimai Mamaku range to the ocean.”

Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils are investing at similar levels and also delivering projects that will help achieve the shared goal of a healthy, thriving harbour, says Paula.

'We're collaborating more strongly than ever before with the other councils and they've contributed to make it a joint plan this year.

'The council is working with iwi and hapu to prepare for co-governance and incorporate Matauranga Maori into new research. We'll continue to support community efforts to restore natural areas and hold the line on mangrove expansion.”

The regional council is also in the process of reducing farm sediment and nutrient run-off in the catchment by assisting landowners to fence and plant waterways and retire steep land.

'We'll continue that by assisting landowners to protect at least another 50 kilometres of waterway margins this year,” says council's environmental delivery general manager Warwick Murray.

Left unchecked, sediment from land erosion can smother shellfish and promote mangrove growth. Nutrient run-off often contains bacteria and supports algae growth, making water less suitable for swimming, drinking and wildlife.

'We've added more sediment science work to our ongoing checks of environmental health indicators like water clarity and cleanliness, shellfish and sediment contaminant levels,” says Warwick. 'That information will help identify any hotspots where extra effort is needed to identify and tackle pollution sources.”

Through its Coastal Science Chair partnership with University of Waikato, regional council is also investing in new research on nutrient and sea lettuce dynamics in the harbour.

'Locals have told us they don't like large sea lettuce blooms that make swimming and boating less enjoyable,” says Warwick. 'We know that seasonal weather patterns are the main cause. The largest sea lettuce blooms happen in El Nino summers. Further research will help identify what we may be able to do to reduce sea lettuce build up in the harbour.”

Other work being delivered through the Tauranga Harbour plan includes:

Industrial pollution audits of areas draining into Waimapu estuary, and ongoing monitoring of resource consents in the catchment

Maintaining a 24/7 pollution and oil spill response capability. People can report oil spills or other pollution by calling 0800 884 883.

Providing all-tide access to Matakana Island through dredging of the Opureora Channel (subject to resource consent approval).

A review of the Navigation Safety Bylaw that outlines rules for boating safety.

Underwater surveillance and advocacy to prevent the spread of marine pests.

Collection of sea-lettuce build ups from busy beaches, in partnership with Tauranga City Council.

Projects led by the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City Councils to provide for recreation, maintain safe town water supply, and minimise the effects of storm water, wastewater, rubbish dumping, coastal erosion, industrial activities and land use on local communities and their environment.

Further information about Regional Council's work to care for Tauranga Harbour and its catchment is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/taurangaharbour

You may also like....

4 comments

Waste of money

Posted on 06-07-2015 13:57 | By YOGI BEAR

Perhaps stop tipping sewerage in the habour would help. Perhaps get rid of the pests (including bureaucrats) that do more harm than good any day.


with your rates.....

Posted on 06-07-2015 15:58 | By sambo's back

you get a free jet boat..... black swan problem over!!!!


Tonyb

Posted on 06-07-2015 17:42 | By YOGI BEAR

As recall it was the Jet Boat that was "over"? Over the top of the swans, not PC but effective perhaps.


SOFTENING UP 4 RACIAL BIAS

Posted on 06-07-2015 20:13 | By ROCCO

Disagree as I would not say that Tauranga Harbour is in particularly good shape. By look of swans probably started out white and now they are black. Sea lettuce is a major problem.Working with vested maori interests on matauranga is an absolute nonsense and this mumbo jumbo stuff will achieve nothing other than cost huge sums of money.It will probably in fact be detrimental to the Harbour and everyones financial wellbeing.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.