Environment BOP has committed to fund $1.5 million over 10 years for a University of Waikato Chair in Coastal Science.
The new Chair will focus on coastal marine and estuarine research particularly within the Bay of Plenty region.

University of Waikato Vice Chancellor Roy Crawford signs the memorandum on Environment BOP Chairman John Cronin's back.

A professorial chair is a named position in a university funded through a gift or endowment. It pays the chair's salary and often supports associated costs and other research.
Environment BOP already funds a Chair of Lakes Management and Restoration at Waikato University, which is held by Professor David Hamilton.
The regional council is keen to continue its close relationship with the university, says Environment BOP Chairman John Cronin.
'Environment Bay of Plenty is very pleased to provide a Chair in Coastal Sciences, which will ultimately benefit our region because of the university's internationally recognised expertise and leadership in the processes and management around coastal marine issues,” says John.
The Coastal Science Chair will be based in Tauranga. It will bring a multi-disciplinary approach to research into coastal marine issues and the ecological management of that environment.
'This knowledge will help Environment Bay of Plenty to better manage the region's resources, particularly Tauranga Harbour, where the science demands are increasing,” says John.
University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Doug Sutton says the university's teaching and research in the Bay of Plenty will contribute to the health and economy of the wider region and help address issues such as the pressure on Tauranga Harbour as more people live in and do business in the area.
'The University of Waikato is committed to the Bay of Plenty region,” says Doug. 'We're an increasing presence here as we strive to make a difference in the fast-growing area.”
The university has researched the Bay of Plenty coast and its estuaries since the 1970s. 'This important funding of a Chair of Coastal Science will continue to deliver results for the harbour and region and ensure a continuing and active partnership between the university, the regional council and local bodies, iwi and groups,” says Doug.
The new Chair will be advertised soon, and will be an integral part of the INTERCOAST programme, the joint venture between Waikato University and Bremen University in Germany.
The programme which will be a major centre of marine research, featuring international PhD students, began off this week when nearly 40 students and postdoctoral fellows were welcomed to the Bay of Plenty to begin working on a variety of coastal research projects.