Waikato Coastal Database
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Aotea shellfish surveys

1. Identification information

Status
Complete
Data Collection Date
1999
Summary
Aotea cockle bed baseline survey Purpose: Provide baseline data on size and number of cockles in a cockle bed in Aotea Harbour.
Content
29 samples from 4 transects. Cockle size classes and other live animals were recorded.
Study Types
  • Inventory/Survey
Categories
  • Benthic Communities (including shellfish)
  • Benthic Communities (including shellfish)

2. Contact information

Commissioning Agencies
  • Department of Conservation
Contact Organisations
  • Department of Conservation (Waikato Area Office)

3. Spatial information

Geographic Coverage
Te Kowiwi Beach, Aotea Harbour
Grid Coordinates
NZMS260 R15 704 524
Locations
  • Name
    Te Kowiwi Beach, Aotea Harbour
    NZMG Easting
    2670397
    NZMG Northing
    6352403
    Location
    Aotea Harbour
    West Coast

4. Data acquisition information

Collection Date
24-25 Feb 1999. Baseline survey only
Methodology
Base line established with hip chain @ 302 degrees magnetic. Transects at 90 degrees, 50m in, then 100m intervals. ABCD. 1st quadrat @ intersection Transect/Baseline, then 40m intervals. Quadrats of 315mm frame, excavated to 100mm deep Sieved through 2mm mesh. Measured into 5mm size classes. Species/no.'s other animals recorded also. All animals returned to site. Frequency of collection: Infrequent. One follow-up survey undertaken (report not located).

5. Data quality information

Known Limitations
Not reported Data quality: Methodology from the Min. Fish 'Adopt a Beach' programme. Bob Drey. Methodology held at WAO. Attribute accuracy: Not reported Completeness: Not reported

6. Distribution information

Format
report, graphs. Digital Format: MS Word, MS Excel
Applications
Monitor cockle size/density and population dynamics in relation to harvesting pressure, change in catchment use.
Availability
Freely available Sensitivity/Confidentiality: None

7. Status information

Data Status
Baseline and one other survey completed to date

8. Metadata information

General Notes
Original data sheets held at WAO file HBR300 Additional comments: The site is a valuable shellfish bed for local people. Further survey undertaken by Sid Ryfle (pers comm. Niki Maniapoto). Needs further surveys to establish any change in size and density of the cockles and cockle bed
Related Links
Publications
Related Publications
  • Cassidy, M., Suter, H., and McGee, I. 1997: A community guide to monitoring a cockle population. 24p. Min Fisheries, Dunedin.
  • Bob Drey. Ministry of Fisheries. 'Sea Keepers'. A handbook to assist community groups in conducting their own surveys of local shellfish resources. (copy at WAO in file HBR300)
Related Datasets

9. Related files

No files have been attached to this dataset

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