National Estuary Dataset

Cawthron Institute (Cawthron) has recently compiled a national dataset containing ecological estuary monitoring data (2001 to 2016) largely acquired from councils and unitary authorities (councils) around New Zealand. The dataset comprises fine-scale intertidal benthic ecological data collected using the Estuary Monitoring Protocol (EMP: Robertson et al. 2002), or similar, survey methodologies. This is in the form of macrofaunal abundance data and corresponding physico-chemical sediment data, as well as associated metadata. The dataset was compiled to facilitate national-scale research within the MBIE-funded Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata (OTOT) programme, led by Murray Patterson from Massey University. For further details on the dataset please refer to the National Estuary User Manual, which is included as a reference in the FigShare data repository. Use of the dataset is entirely at the risk of the recipient and we accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be present.<br>A subset of the National Estuary dataset was used to test the suitability of nine biotic indices, developed overseas and in New Zealand, for assessing the health of New Zealand estuaries. This paper is also included as a reference in the FigShare Data Repository. <br><br>