The Doubtless Bay catchment has been identified by Northland Regional Council (Council) as a priority catchment for the implementation of the National Freshwater Policy. Council sampled 17 sites throughout the Mangonui estuary in order to assess the sediment quality and ecological status. This is based on previous council estuary monitoring throughout the Northland region. The survey methods were adapted from the Estuary Monitoring Protocol (Robertson et al., 2002), which was developed by Cawthron for use by regional councils.
This survey also provided baseline data to track changes in the health of the estuary over time. This information can also assess the effectiveness of regional plans, inform decision makers and assist in strategy and policy initiatives.