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Database Title

10.1 Estuaries Database
Keywords
Type1.
Type 11.		 Estuaries, New Zealand, physical processes, tides, sediment, intertidal extent, catchment, mangrove extent, saltmarsh extent
Abstract

This database is being established to assist NIWA with the development of a comprehensive estuarine classification. Both the database and estuarine classification are being modeled on similar approach which has been taken in Australia (Digby et al, 1999).

A range of relatively easily measured parameters will be included for large number of estuaries from around New Zealand. This information will be used to develop, and test the validity of, the estuarine classification system being developed. Additional detail will be added for specific estuaries.
Geographical Coverage New Zealand estuaries
Dataset start date. 2000?
Dataset end date. Unknown
Status/currency. Planned
Update frequency. Unknown
Maintenance. Unknown

 

Technical Evaluation

  
Parameters- what is measured The following are proposed:
  • area of estuary
  • intertidal area
  • shoreline length
  • tidal range
  • extent of mangroves and saltmarsh
  • sediment texture
  • fetch across estuary
  • catchment area
  • river flows from the catchments (mean annual flow, flood flow)
Parameters- what is calculated
  • Catchment area: estuary area ratio
  • Tidal prism
Methods used to measure parameters Measuring areas and lengths from digital topographical maps and GIS. Information protocols will be established for the database. This will include identifying gaps that regional councils can fill with information and identifying how this should be done.
Secondary sources of data. Agency files
Scale of use. Information will be stored by estuary
Number of records N/A
GIS compatibility. Yes
Available formats for users. Electronic: access database
Access constraints. Unknown
Measurement Accuracy To be completed by database manager.
Completeness of dataset To be completed by database manager.
Positional accuracy To be completed by database manager.
Database custodian NIWA
Database custodian contact person Terry Hume
Assistant Regional Manager
Database custodian Contact
Address
Phone
Fax
Email		 P.O.Box 11-115
Hamilton
+64 7 856 7026
+64 7 856 0151
t.hume@niwa.co.nz
References Digby, M.J.; Saenger, P.; Whelan, M.B.; McConchie, D.; Eyre, B.; Holmes, N.; Bucher, D. 1999. A physical classification of Australian estuarines. LWRRDC Occasional Paper 16/99.
Date metadata record prepared. June 2000
Author of metadata record. Victoria Froude

 

Management Evaluation

  
Original purpose.
  • To maximize appropriate transferability of estuarine research results to estuaries in other parts of New Zealand by identifying estuaries with similar physical characteristics.
  • To develop simple explanations of how estuaries work.
Relationships with classification systems. One of the tools used to develop and test the planned NIWA estuarine classification.
Relationships with other databases Uncertain at this stage. Links will be made where possible.
Known relationships with proposed EPIP indicators. The following indicator may be relevant:
  • change in sedimentation for selected estuarines.

This database may assist with the selection of representative estuaries for other estuarine indicators.
Database uses? N/A - database still being developed.
Public awareness of the database N/A
Database strengths. It will provide answers about the nature of New Zealand estuaries (e.g. average area, catchment: area ratio)
Database limitations. The long-term future of the database is uncertain.

 

What are the Current and Emerging Uses of the Database for:

  
Assisting with determining historic state/baseline. This is uncertain.
Assisting with determining current state/baseline. When established the database will provide information about a number of physical parameters associated with New Zealand estuaries.
Assisting with modeling possible future outcomes. A number of the proposed physical parameters should be able to assist with modeling future outcomes given particular senarios. Eg: catchment : estuary area ratio; tidal prism.
Risk assessment. As above. This may allow the level of risk to particular estuaries from particular events/processes to be identified.
Monitoring site selection and sample design. The planned database and classification system should assist with the selection of monitoring sites as it will help ensure that an appropriate diversity of estuary sites is selected.
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally or nationally. This should be possible.