Success story

Biodiversity Asset Mapping of Bream Bay

PCT expressed several concerns about the wider Bream Bay Catchment, including water quality for recreational use, pressures on biodversity, and declining fish abundance.

A2E experts Amy Bazeley (DuneScape Ltd), Dr Neil Mitchell (BEnviro/Babbage), Dr. Fabio Rosa (BEnviro/Babbage), and Mariana Basilio (BEnviro/Bababage) were able to support PCT to provide the following deliverables:

• A report with general information on riparian planting width, the role of council in monitoring stormwater high-risk sites, and site-specific comments from specialists to guide PCT on a feasible implementation plan.
• Dashboard: A map with a compilation of layers to allow the understanding of several issues present in the catchment, such as HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) sites, highly erodible land, fish spawning, land use, flooding zones, etc.
• Story Map: A tool for PCT to communicate and bring awareness to the direction they will be undertaking to improve their catchment. A tool to collate all the information into one place to tell a story and engage with the different stakeholders.

Through this project, PCT successfully established an ecological corridor along the Aruhoa River, leading to improved water quality in the catchment area and potentially reducing bank erosion on flood-affected farms. With this region serving as a key drinking water source, these improvements are vital. Moreover, enhancements in the downstream environment are anticipated to benefit fish spawning, a development warmly welcomed by the community. The project also heightened PCT’s awareness of potential contaminants from HAIL sites that lack an adequate Environmental Management Plan for stormwater runoff.

Looking ahead, PCT is focused on securing funding for the recommended actions, analysing water quality data to align with the Action Plan, pinpointing major sources of contamination, and offering farmers technical advice on nutrient management to minimise runoff. Collaborating with the Northland Regional Council to audit HAIL sites continues to be a high priority.