PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS & IMPACTS

PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS & IMPACTS
Industrial Activities and Marine Hazards
Port Taranaki Dredging Impact Assessment 2022-2024
The Port Taranaki dredging report for 2022-2024 confirms regular maintenance dredging operations continue with high environmental performance and compliance. This ongoing assessment is crucial for understanding the localised effects of industrial activity on our vital marine ecosystems and kaimoana.
346K
Cubic Meters Dredged
346,092m³ of material removed in maintenance dredging operations.
98%
Compliance Rating
Achieved high environmental compliance across all monitored activities.
Minimal
Sand Impact
Sand movement patterns showed only localized, minimal impacts on Kawaroa and Arakaitai reefs.
Stable
Kaimoana Health
Intertidal ecology and kaimoana populations remained stable with no significant adverse effects detected.
These findings reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring. The assessment aligns with Mauri Compass insights by acknowledging how industrial activities influence the same marine areas, underscoring the need for integrated environmental stewardship for future generations.
Detailed Intertidal Survey Findings (2023)
Further scientific detail supporting the high compliance rating is provided by the 2023 intertidal survey findings:

Four survey sites were monitored: Arakaitai Reef, Kawaroa Reef (2 locations), and Greenwood Road control site.

Low sand cover (less than 3%) was observed at all sites during the 2023 surveys.

Species richness varied between sites but showed no significant adverse effects directly attributable to dredging operations.

Shannon-Weiner diversity index results indicated natural fluctuations, rather than impacts caused by dredging.

Environmental factors such as wave exposure and natural sand movement were identified as the dominant drivers influencing the intertidal communities.

The conclusion from the survey is that the 2023 dredging campaign did not adversely affect intertidal communities.
Industrial vs Cultural Perspectives - A Comparative View
The Port Taranaki dredging report and the Mauri Compass cultural assessment both examine the health of our marine areas, including Kawaroa and Arakaitai reefs, yet from distinct yet complementary viewpoints.
Industrial Monitoring: Port Taranaki Report
Focuses on compliance, quantifiable metrics, and direct impacts of dredging. The 2022-2024 report cited "high compliance" (98%) and minimal localized sand movement on reefs, noting stable kaimoana populations.
Cultural Assessment: Mauri Compass
Explores the spiritual health (mauri) and overall vitality of the same marine areas. It identifies deeper systemic issues like widespread species decline and sand inundation impacting traditional practices (mahinga kai).
Both assessments acknowledge sand movement and ecological health as key concerns, albeit from different frameworks. The industrial report confirms adherence to regulations, while the cultural assessment highlights the broader, often unseen, degradation of spiritual and ecological well-being. Integrating these perspectives provides a holistic understanding essential for genuine kaitiakitanga.
Bio-Hazards
MPI Marine Pest Management System - National Framework
MPI leads New Zealand's marine pest management system, working with local government and industries to protect coastal waters.
Protecting from established pests
Preparing for new arrivals
Stopping spread
Building management capability
Creating partnerships
Surveillance and Response
Surveillance: MPI surveys all main ports, marinas, and pristine locations like Fiordland twice yearly to establish baselines and detect new pests.
Response: Teams work to eradicate detected pests or implement long-term management (examples: Mediterranean fanworm, Styela clava sea squirt).
Key Partnerships
Top of the North
Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Northland, Waikato councils
Top of the South
Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman
Fiordland Marine Biosecurity
With DOC, MfE, Environment Southland
Prevention Methods
Prevention methods include encouraging cleaning of marine equipment/vessels and managing ballast water and biofouling on international vessels.
Marine Invasive Species Pathways - Port Taranaki Risk Assessment
Port Taranaki is a critical entry point for marine pests into the region. Vessels arriving from both international and domestic ports pose a significant biosecurity risk, potentially carrying invasive species that can disrupt delicate marine ecosystems.
While MPI leads international biosecurity efforts, domestic vessel movements often lack the same rigorous controls, creating vulnerable pathways. A surveillance program routinely checks high-risk sites like Port Taranaki twice yearly to detect new threats.
TRC collaborates with MPI on marine pest management, recognizing the ongoing threat. The establishment of Pacific oysters at Kukuriki Reef serves as a stark reminder of how invasive species can quickly take hold and alter local marine environments.
Chemical Hazards in Taranaki Ocean Waters
Taranaki's coastal waters face diverse chemical contamination risks from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. These hazards threaten marine ecosystems, kaimoana safety, and cultural practices, requiring urgent comprehensive monitoring.
Industrial Discharges
Oil and gas operations, dairy processing, and urban runoff elevate specific contaminant levels by up to 30% in localized areas near outfalls.
Agricultural Runoff
Fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment introduce nitrates and phosphates. 40% of waterways near agricultural zones show elevated nutrient levels.
Wastewater Treatment
Discharges impact water quality with nutrients and pathogens. This connects to the Mahinga Kai assessment's "Presence of Human Waste in Water" scoring 1/5.
Heavy Metals & Hydrocarbons
Industrial activities risk contamination. 20% of sediment samples near industrial hubs exceed guidelines for certain heavy metals.
Microplastics & Emerging Contaminants
Recent surveys detected microplastics in all tested kaimoana species, posing long-term ecological and health threats.
These widespread hazards impact kaimoana safety and diminish cultural practices like mahinga kai. Significant monitoring gaps exist, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive chemical testing. This aligns with the "No data - To Be Completed" status in Te ao Taiao biohazards, underscoring a broader data deficit.