Aerial photo of Shotover river

Current state vs freshwater objectives: Sediment

  • Suspended sediment loads cause environmental degradation of water ways. The fine sediment particles in the water reduce clarity blocking light, impacting growth and respiration of aquatic life.

    The dataset - What is it?

    The data set shows the total sediment load and sediment load reduction required across regions of New Zealand by table and map.

    Natural processes such as glaciers can result in contaminant concentrations that are non-compliant with national bottom lines. The areas requiring the greatest reduction in sediment loss are Manawatu and Otago.

    Why it's important

    When thinking about land use, understanding the current pressures within a catchment and a region are important. Sediment is major pressure across Aotearoa. So, thinking about sediment implication of different land uses in the context of current pressures is important.

    • How to use this information safely
      • Fitness for purpose / limitations

        This table indicates whether the dataset is suitable for different types of questions at different scales.

        Note: Users should carefully consider their purpose as this dataset may not be suitable.

         

        Operational

        Absolute

        Relative

        Screening/scoping

        Block/farm

        No

        No

        No

        No

        Multi-farms(5+)

        No

        No

        No

        No

        Catchment

        Maybe

        Maybe

        Maybe

        Maybe

        National/regional

        Yes

        Yes

        Yes

        Yes

        Caveats

        The study has used all the available data. Therefore, it would be difficult in most catchments to improve on the analysis. However, because the models were all national in extent, there may be a degree of model bias when the results are applied at fine scales.

        How to interpret this table

  • Please note:

    You can use this information to help form an understanding of sediment pressures across Aotearoa.

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