Wellington’s Beachlife Surveyed

Greater Wellington is the promotional name of the Wellington Regional Council
News release – media advisory

17 March 2004

Wellington’s Beachlife Surveyed

Being paid to wander around Wellington’s beaches for a week might seem like the best job in the world, but it’s just a normal day in the office for two scientists carrying out a biodiversity survey for Greater Wellington.

Cawthron Institute’s coastal and estuarine manger Dr Barry Robertson and researcher Leigh Stevens are combing Wellington’s beaches examining the health and diversity of the region’s beaches. The Nelson-based pair are surveying and sampling between the high and low tides at beaches around Wellington harbour and the south coast.

The study is part of Greater Wellington’s marine biodiversity project, says co-ordinator Paul Denton, a policy advisor with the regional council. “The study is looking into various aspects of the local marine environment to assess what impacts different activities are having. The information collected will go towards a better understanding of beach processes and the range of fauna such as shellfish, worms and crabs which might be at risk. This data will help us keep decision makers better informed.”

The scientists finish their surveying on Friday, with results expected by the end of May.

ENDS

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