Classification of NZ rocky coastal community types

The interaction of physical and biological factors will affect the ability of coastal areas to respond to changes in management, such as the creation of marine reserves. This project involves a comprehensive survey of reefs around NZ, quantifying biological and physical patterns to develop a quantitative classification system for NZ reef communities and provide information on the important structuring processes e.g. predation. Purpose: To classify subtidal benthic reef communities in New Zealand, and to provide biomass and primary productivity estimates of the subtidal algal communities.

Information gathered from transects and quadrats include: habitat types, depth distribution of habitats and species, reef profile.

National. Hahei is the only survey site within the Waikato Region.

Cooks Bluff – N6483105 E2757571 Mahunarape – N6486296 E2755919 Mussel Rock – N6482939 E2756861 Mahurangi Pinn – N6481256 E2761755 Razor Rocks – N6483166 E2760471 Sandy Cove – N6482610 E2758899 SE Mootueka – N6482908 E2760416 Twin Gauge – N6481777 E2762066 Whitecaves – N6479881 E2761731 Whitecliffs – N6482784 E2758466

summer 1999/2000 and 2000/2001

At each site the distribution of habitat types down the depth gradient was recorded using a line transect, and the abundance of algae and invertebrates were measured within four fixed depth ranges (0-2, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 m below low water) using depth-stratified quadrats place adjacent to the transect. Additional measurements of a number of environmental variables were also recorded for each site. Frequency of collection: One-off sampling

Not reported Gaps in collection: Not reported Data quality: Not reported Attribute accuracy: Not reported Completeness: Not reported

electronic, reports Digital Format: MS Word, MS Access

Coastal management, in particular the placement of marine reserves. Monitoring of marine reserves Investigating temporal change

Freely available Sensitivity/Confidentiality: None

Finished

PhD funded by DoC S&R.