Picton Bays, which includes Picton Harbour, Waikawa and Shakespeare Bay, are an iconic part of Marlborough. Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.
The Bays are used by commercially and recreationally by tens of thousands of people each year. The ecological health of the Bays is therefore important to the community, and the Bays are also of special significance to iwi.
Council is gathering information on the ecological health of the Bays, so it can better monitor the coastal environment and inform the management of the area.
There are a number of pressures on the environment which Council needs good information on. These include the influence of large vessels, stormwater and sewage discharges, contaminant levels, and effects of fishing activities on habitat integrity.
Council is looking to work in partnership with iwi and industry on the future monitoring of the Picton Bays.
To find out more email Council's Coastal Scientist
