A showcase of services and past projects
Environmental regulation, management frameworks and the issues we face are constantly changing. Specialised skills and experience are needed to inform management decisions and navigate through the maze of environmental information and regulation. We understand those requirements and the needs of our clients.
State of the Environment Reporting
Effective environmental management relies on having good information on environmental values and how they change over time. Coast and Catchment are regularly commissioned to report on the values and state of coastal environments.
Impacts of Stormwater and Wastewater
The effects of stormwater and wastewater on freshwater and coastal environments are key issues in urban environments. We assist local and regional councils, and network operators in the assessment, monitoring, consenting, and management of those effects.
Sediment and Water Quality, and Benthic Health
Sediment and water quality are fundamental indicators of environmental health. Our staff helped write the Blueprint for their monitoring, and have years of experience in sampling, analysing, reporting and advising on the state and trends of sediment and water quality, and benthic health.
Marine Farming - Aquaculture
Aquaculture already plays a major role in New Zealand’s marine economy, and central government is seeking to grow the industry from one that produces $600+ million in annual sales nationally, to $3 billion in sales by 2035 through sustainable, productive, resilient and inclusive development. Coast and Catchment are well placed to support that goal.
Contaminants and Pollution
Major contaminant spills can have catastrophic impacts on waterways, while legacy issues and ongoing discharges can degrade habitat quality and adversely affect marine and freshwater organisms. Coast and Catchment have a track record of rapidly responding to spills and assessing and advising on coastal contaminant issues.
Marine Biosecurity
Invasive marine pests pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems and marine economy. Once established, they are almost impossible to eradicate. Preventing or limiting the establishment and spread of marine pests is therefore a pressing issue for environmental agencies, marine industries and environmental groups. Coast and Catchment are at the forefront of marine biosecurity management, particularly in relation to aquaculture.
Marine Conservation and Restoration
New Zealand led the world in marine conservation, when we established our first, fully protected, marine reserve in 1976. We are now looking at new models for marine conservation and recently began work on the active restoration of marine habitats. Our staff have a long involvement with marine reserve research and monitoring, and are now actively involved in active marine restoration efforts.
Habitat assessments and monitoring
It’s can be hard to appreciate the significance of sea floor habitats and communities that are hidden beneath the waves, or located in areas that are infrequently visited. Yet the sea floor is an engine room for coastal biodiversity and ecological productivity. Unless we know what’s living on the seafloor, we can’t protect special areas or features, and cannot determine and track the effects of our activities. Coast and Catchment regularly assess, map, and monitor marine habitats.
Survey vessel, charter boat
Mārama
Our trailable boat, Mārama, is used by us, and available for charter. Mārama is a customised Stabicraft 2400 Supercab, equipped with twin Yamaha outboards, lifting gear, covered working area, a range of electronics including autohelm, and other useful extras. Mārama provides a safe and stable work platform for divers, video and drop camera surveys, grab sampling, coring and other survey work. She is a perfect support vessel, and can be used for site access, inspections and visits for up to five passengers. Talk to Shane or one of our commercial skippers, John or Dirk, about specific needs.