Fish Usage of Seagrass survey

The purpose of this study is to identify the importance of seagrass to fish species. Seagrass may be hotspots for fish biodiversity and abundance. Results from the 'Fish Usage of Estuarine and Coastal Habitats' study found a number of fish are positively correlated to seagrass. Internationally seagrass is important as juvenile fish nurseries and has been declining worldwide. Seagrass and non-seagrass sites are sampled during the day and night following the large scale 'Fish Usage of Estuarine and Coastal Habitats' sampling methods using beach seining during March-April.

Study sites at Whangapoua Harbour. Beach seining following 'Fish Usage of Estuarine and Coastal Habitats' procedure. Seagrass transects measure % cover, water depth, and blade heights. Multi- panel gillnetting at subset of sites.

Whangapoua Harbour

Whangapoua Harbour – E2745181 N6493816, NZMG, 20000, AREA

FRST funded project

Beach seining, transects, multi- panel gillnetting. Data collected yearly, March-April

Not reported

electronic, maps

Sensitivity/Confidentiality: Contact NIWA

Additional comments: Aim to produce fish-seagrass interaction models. Related information: NIWA Estuarine fish gradients study – Papakura Channel, Manukau Harbour. This study assesses effects of depth, substrate / secondary habitat methods, season, prey assemblages, and turbidity using multiple sampling methods over a 20 km gradient frommuds to sands (turbid to clear waters). It looks at trophic interactions and annual variability. Relevant to other west coast harbours.