Coastal & Marine Ecological Areas of New Zealand

This is a preliminary classification intended to stimulate discussion on improving methodology and ultimately the ecological framework that can be used by planners and managers to develop a system of representative PNAs. The area covered is the coast and continental shelf. The approach is essentially integrative, with the smallest unit, the district, aggregating into the successively larger region and territory. Each district has been delineated by it position in the coastal or shelf zone and defined by information readily accessible on topography, hydrology and biology. Purpose: To initiate the development of an ecological (biogeographical) framework for the purposes of planning and managing a system of representative marine and coastal PNAs.

Maps of ecological regions and districts. Descriptions of ecological districts under the headings: Marine topography, hydrology, biology, existing coastal PNAs.

New Zealand wide

Waikato Region –

?-1985

Districts are described as fully as possible on the basis of readily available data. Frequency of collection: One off

Identification of distinctive boundaries is difficult, especially in areas where little physical and biological information is available, or where gradual changes occur over large distances. Where possible the zone of change that separates areas has been described, otherwise the ecological character that differentiates one area from another has been recorded without clearly delineating the boundary. Gaps in collection: Not reported Data quality: Not reported Attribute accuracy: Not reported Completeness: based on available data

report, maps

Identify areas suitable for protection.

Freely available Sensitivity/Confidentiality: None

Finished

Additional comments: MfE are working on a current classification system the Marine Environments Classification. Related information: Marine Environments Classification