Seabed video transects

We have received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from Ports of Auckland Limited to conduct marine scientific research at the Cuvier Disposal Site. Ports of Auckland Limited will perform video transects just outside of the disposal site to assess the presence of rare and endangered species and sensitive habitats.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 559KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 581KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 512KB)

Commenced: 6 October 2020

Completed: 17 November 2020

Post-Drill Monitoring of the Romney-1 Well

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Anadarko NZ under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct post-drill environmental monitoring activities around the Romney-1 exploration well in the Taranaki Basin. This consisted of water column sampling and seabed sediment sampling with a box corer. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 506KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 514KB)

Commenced: 6 January 2015
Completed: 7 January 2015

Post-Drill Monitoring of the Caravel-1 Well

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Anadarko NZ under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct post-drill environmental monitoring activities around the Caravel-1 exploration well in the Canterbury Basin. This consisted of water column sampling and seabed sediment sampling with a box corer. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 503KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 510KB)

Commenced: 11 January 2015 
Completed: 13 January 2015

Seafloor Geochemical Sampling Programme in the Pegasus Basin

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Anadarko NZ under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct prospecting in the Pegasus Basin. Anadarko NZ undertook a geochemical sampling programme to obtain sediment samples for analysis. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 324KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 358KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 142KB)

Commenced: 11 March 2014
Completed: 22 March 2014

Biodiversity Survey around the Kermadec Islands

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from the Auckland War Memorial Museum under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct a biodiversity survey. They conducted a range of activities including fish trapping and bottom trawling. They also used a device called a multicorer to take samples from the sea bed. The aim of the research was to better understand the marine environment around the Kermadec Islands. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 520KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 542KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 624KB)

Commenced: 28 October 2016
Completed: 5 November 2016

Sonobuoy Deployment during transit from Wellington to Antarctica

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from the Australian Antarctic Division under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to deploy sonobuoys in the NZ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on route between Wellington and Antarctica. The sonobuoys were used to conduct a passive acoustic survey to gain a larger understanding of marine mammals in New Zealand waters and in the Southern Ocean. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 341KB)

Read the initial environment assessment (pdf 612 KB)

Commenced: 29 January 2015
Completed: 10 March 2015

Post-drill benthic monitoring of the Oil wells

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from AWE Limited under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct post-drill environmental monitoring activities around the Oi-1 and Oi-2 exploration wells in the Taranaki Basin. They planned to take samples from the sea floor and make video recordings of the seabed conditions. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.10MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 798KB)

Read the post-activity notice (pdf 518KB)

Commenced: 9 November 2016
Completed: 1 December 2016

Post-drill benthic monitoring of the Oil wells

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from AWE under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct post-drill environmental monitoring activities around the Oi-1 and Oi-2 exploration wells in the Taranaki Basin, as per the Discharge Management Plan. This consisted of van Veen grab samples at existing monitoring sites and on transects up to 4000m from the Oi-2 location. Epi-benthic video recording used.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.23MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.59MB)

Read the post-activity notice (pdf 611KB)

Commenced: 31 October 2015
Completed: 3 November 2015

Post Disposal Monitoring

We received a pre-activity notification and initial environment assessment from Coastal Resources Limited (CRL) to monitor changes to the seabed within their consented discharge area to meet requirements of their deemed marine dumping consent. They took samples of sediments from the seafloor using a gravity corer. This activity was started and completed on 12 March 2019. We issued a waiver of a procedural requirement for this activity.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 290 KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 317 KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 451 KB)

Commenced: 12 March 2019
Completed: 12 March 2019 

Post Disposal Monitoring

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Coastal Resources Limited to monitor changes to the seabed within their consented discharge area to meet requirements of their Deemed Marine Dumping Consent. They took samples of sediments from the seafloor using a gravity corer. This activity started on the 25 March and was  completed on the 27 March 2018.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 177KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 460KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 274 KB)

Post Disposal Monitoring

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Coastal Resources Limited under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to monitor changes to the seabed to meet requirements of their dumping consent. They took samples of seafloor sediments using a gravity corer, which is a heavy device that sinks to the seafloor to take samples. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 177KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 460KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 145 KB)

Commenced: 23 November 2016
Completed: 23 November 2016

Sediment Survey

We received a pre-activity notification and initial environmental assessment from EGS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects - Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the East Coast of the North Island. The project aimed to find out where the Southern Cross NEXT Cable can be buried, so took seabed sediment samples and cores to understand the sediment types in the region. 

Read the pre-activity notice (2.04MB)

Read the initial environment assessment (731KB)

Read the post activity report (777KB)

Commenced: 26 March 2017
Completed: 31 March 2017

Sediment Sampling

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from EGS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects - Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. EGS used the sediment sampling techniques of gravity cores and grab samples. The purpose of this research was to determine sediment types in the areas in which the proposed Vodafone TGA cable will be attempted to be buried next year. 

Read the pre-activity notification (pdf 947KB)

Read pre-activity notification- Appendix A (pdf 1.71MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 558KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 482KB)

Commenced: 1 June 2015
Completed: 5 July 2015

Reinga and Aotea Basin Stratigraphy

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the Reinga and Aotea Basins, located 100km west of northern North Island. The activity purpose was to understand the geology of the region through multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling and sampling.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 318KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 354KB)

Commenced: 3 November 2013
Completed: 15 November 2013

Geological Mapping of Colville Ridge

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Colville Ridge, starting 200km north-east of Auckland. The activity purpose was to understand the geologic and tectonic setting of the area through multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling and sampling.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 322KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 367KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.40MB)

Commenced: 27 November 2013
Completed: 1 December 2013

Rock Dredging in the Colville Ridge

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Colville Ridge. The activity purpose was to understand the geologic and tectonic setting of the area through multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling and sampling.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 550KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 322KB)

Read the post-activity report (758KB)

Commenced: 21 September 2015
Completed: 24 September 2015

Hikurangi Ocean Bottom Investigation of Tremor and Slow Slip (HOBITSS)

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the Poverty Bay area, 25-100 km east of Gisborne. The activity purpose was to study the seafloor deformation and seismic activity of the area over a two year period through a series of instruments. The plan included use of ocean bottom seismographs, pressure gauges, temperature, and magnetic instruments to monitor the active tectonic processes.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 313KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 802KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 76.24KB)

Commenced: 10 May 2014
Completed: 12 December 2015

Hikurangi Ocean Bottom Investigation of Tremor and Slow Slip III (HOBITSS III)

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS Science under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to document seafloor deformation in the Hikurangi subduction zone where land instruments have recorded earthquakes. Heat flow measurements were used to determine the thermal structure of the margin.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 384KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 472KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 76KB)

Commenced: 19 June 2016
Completed: 30 June 2016

Geological Mapping of Colville Ridge

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS Science under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Colville Ridge, which is an undersea ridge north-east of New Zealand, stretching toward Fiji. GNS aimed to get a better understanding of the rock forms and volcanic history of this area by mapping the Colville Ridge using a multibeam, which is a device that uses sound waves to test the depth and structure of the sea floor. GNS also took rock samples.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 405KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 371KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.04MB)

Commenced: 11 October 2016
Completed: 14 October 2016

Hikurangi plate boundary ocean bottom seismograph research

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the East Coast of the North Island from East Cape to south of Wairarapa. Up to 100 seismographs were placed on the seabed to record earthquakes and sound generated from a seismic research ship, along the area where two parts of the earth’s crust collide.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 926KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.3MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.04MB)

Commenced: 26 October 2017
Completed: 30 April 2018

Destabilising effect of gases on sea floor

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from GNS to gain data on the gases occurring in sediment on the sea floor. They used a range of passive and active techniques to collect data on how these gases can destabilise sediments.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 2.75MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 2.18MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 76KB)

Biogeochemical Cycles and Trace Element Distribution in the Pacific Ocean

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from JAMSTEC under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to carry out a scientific cruise that passed through the NZ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). JAMSTEC travelled from Tokyo to Wellington; Wellington to Auckland; before travelling back to Tokyo via Niue. This programme was part of the international science programme GEOTRACES aimed at better understanding biogeochemical cycles and large-scale distribution of trace elements and their isotopes in order to predict future environmental changes caused by global warming.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 695KB)

Read the initial environment assessment (pdf 1.58MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 338KB)

Commenced: 21 December 2014
Completed: 26 January 2015

Louisville Ridge/Kermadec Arc Deep Sea Research

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from JAMSTEC under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on seamounts and subsea volcanoes in the northern margin of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf. The research focused on the Louisville seamount chain and subsea volcanoes in the Kermadec Arc, approximately 1000 kilometres north-east of New Zealand’s North Island. Using a manned submersible vehicle, JAMSTEC investigated the biodiversity of fauna on seamounts, and comparing this with communities on active subsea volcanoes. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 379KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 547KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 271KB)

Commenced: 26 October 2013
Completed: 30 October 2013

Scampi Survey 2021

We received a Pre-activity Notification from NIWA to conduct marine scientific within the EEZ. NIWA conducted a combination of photographic and trawl surveys across the Hawkes Bay/Bay of Plenty scampi fishing grounds to assess the population. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 614KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 669KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 580KB)

Commenced: 21 January 2021

Completed: 14 March 2021

Kaikōura earthquake impact on deep-sea ecosystems

We have received a Pre-activity Notification from NIWA to conduct marine scientific within the EEZ. NIWA will sample the seabed to understand the ecological recovery of the benthic ecosystem after the Kaikōura earthquake. NIWA has since added the deployment of up to 30 Underwater Transponder Positioning units on the seabed to this activity. We approved three timeframe waivers to allow this addendum. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1.2MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 1.2MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 657KB)

Waivers granted: 24 August 2020

Commenced: 2 October 2020

Completed: 26 October 2020

Chatham Rise Seamounts

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific within the EEZ. NIWA will perform biodiversity transect surveys a set of seamounts to assess faunal composition and distribution. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 534KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 740KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 590KB)

Commenced: 8 August 2020

Completed: 21 August 2020

Chatham Rise

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. NIWA will use a range of techniques to determine how sea-floor communities will respond to disturbances from human activities in the deep sea. In 2020 moorings will be removed and a small survey will be done. This activity has a duration of two years. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 2.6MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 2.8MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 631KB)

Commenced: 11 June 2019

Completed: 20 June 2020

Quantifying benthic habitats

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific within the EEZ across the Campbell Plateau. NIWA will survey the seabed benthic community through video transects and occasional sediment coring to better understand the ecosystem within this region. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf, 628KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf, 510KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf, 360KB) 

Commenced: 19 May 2020
Completed: 5 June 2020

Kaikoura earthquake turbidites 

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research on the Hikurangi margin. NIWA will use a multicorer to collect samples to quantify the sedimentary response on the seabed to strong shaking from the 14 November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 747KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 939KB)

Commenced: 24 October 2019

Completed: 27 October 2019

Autonomous echosounder mooring on Campbell Plateau 

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research on the Campbell Plateau. NIWA will deploy an autonomous echosounder to collect acoustic data on mid-trophic level organisms. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 762KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 893KB)

Commenced: 3 September 2019

Completed: 3 September 2019

Mernoo Bank scampi survey

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. NIWA will use a range of techniques to grab and tag live scampi to investigate growth. This research is wholly government funded.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 591KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 829KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 564KB)

Commenced: 18 September 2019 
Completed: 25 September 2019

Effect of gasses on seafloor in the Hikurangi Margin

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to investigate the impacts that changes in seafloor stability and/or methane fluxes could have on the marine ecosystem.  A variety of active and passive techniques will be used.   

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 2.1MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 2.2MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 670KB)

Commenced: 3 July 2019
Completed: 21 July 2019

Scampi Trawl and Photographic Survey

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research in the EEZ, east of the Auckland Islands. They used trawl methods, and photography, to investigate the growth of intact scampi that have been captured, tagged and released. They also took grab samples of sea floor sediments.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 644 KB)

Commenced: 18 February 2019
Completed: 12 March 2019

Chatham Rise

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. NIWA used a range of techniques to determine how sea-floor communities may respond to disturbances from human activities in the deep sea. The research was wholly government funded.

Following receipt of the pre-activity notice, NIWA reviewed their sampling methodology and informed us as such. We were satisfied that these limited changes fall within the scope of effects described in their initial application.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1.3MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 1.3MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 895KB)

Commenced: 15 May 2018
Completed: 6 June 2018

Oceanographic mooring deployments

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Campbell Plateau, South East of Stewart Island. NIWA deployed four moorings which collected data on the surrounding water, such as salinity, temperature, oxygen levels and currents. The moorings were retrieved upon completion of data collection.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 400KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 410KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 754KB)

Commenced: 20 March 2017
Completed: 19 April 2018

Scampi growth work in the Bay of Plenty (SCI 1) and the Hawke Bay/Wairarapa (SCI 2)

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA to conduct a combination of photographic and trawl surveys investigating scampi off the Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa/Hawkes Bay regions. During the survey, NIWA measured, tagged and released live scampi for growth studies. Around 10 days was spent surveying in each of the two areas.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 669KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 772KB)

Commenced: 14 February 2018
Completed: 20 March 2018

Kermadec Trench marine community study

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct sampling in the Kermadec Trench. They sampled at eight locations along the trench to assess variability in carbon supply and the abundance of marine communities. The activity started on 24 November 2017 and lasted for 21 days.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1.6MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 1MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 839KB)

Commenced:  29 November 2017
Completed: 11 December 2017

Glider deployment

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in three main locations: east of Auckland, west of Wellington and east of Southland. NIWA used an unmanned underwater vehicle known as a glider to gather samples and measurements from the water. They did this 12 times over the course of a year, starting in October 2016.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 514KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 528KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 734KB)

Commenced: 1 September 2017
Completed: 1 December 2017

Kaikoura Earthquake Sediment Sampling

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct sampling in the Kaikoura and Hikurangi Trench. Their plan included sampling at 300 locations along the trench to recover sediment deposits that formed in response to strong ground shaking from the 14 Nov 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1.8MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 525KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 465KB)

Commenced: 8 September 2017
Completed: 17 September 2017

Passive Acoustic Monitoring in the Cook Strait

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to deploy six passive acoustic monitoring systems in New Zealand’s Cook Strait. Their plan included conducting two six-month deployments, which aimed to monitor the migration route of baleen whales. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 655KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 880KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 524KB)

Commenced: 5 June 2016
Completed: 12 September 2017

Kaikoura Turbidites

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct sampling in the Kaikoura and Hikurangi Trench. Their plan included sampling at 50 locations along the trench to recover sediment deposits that formed in response to strong ground shaking from the 14 November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 697KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 696KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 467KB)

Commenced: 29 June 2017
Completed: 4 July 2017

Taranaki Bight Sampling

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the coast of Taranaki. This project collected live specimens of dog cockles, sponges and bryozoans (moss animals) and also involved water and sediment sampling.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 557KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 557KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 609KB)

Commenced: 22 May 2017
Completed: 22 May 2017

Canterbury Hydrogeology

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the Canterbury Basin, off the East Coast of the South Island. This research investigated the hydrogeology of the region, through taking sediment cores of the seafloor and using underwater sound waves (hydroacoustic surveys) to identify what lies beneath the seafloor. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 852KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 407KB)​

Commenced: 9 April 2017
Completed: 30 April 2017

Seabed Biodiversity on the Chatham Rise

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research across the Chatham Rise, which is a region off the east coast of the South Island. NIWA used a towed camera system and a device called a multicorer to take samples from the sea bed. The aim of the research was to better understand the biological communities across the region. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 593KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 788KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 538KB)

Commenced: 6 January 2017
Completed: 2 February 2017

Glider Deployment

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) and 11(c) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations 2013 to conduct marine scientific research in three main locations: east of Auckland, west of Wellington and east of Southland. The activity occurred over 365 days with twelve glider transects.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 509KB)

Read the initial environmental impact assessment (PDF, 534KB)

Commenced: 5 December 2015
Completed: 21 December 2016

Hikurangi Paleoearthquake​

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to investigate large earthquakes that have occurred in the past. Samples of sea floor sediments were taken using a piston corer, which is a very heavy device that sinks to the sea floor to take samples, and is then winched back onto a boat. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 576KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 596KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 472KB)

Commenced: 10 November 2016
Completion: 20 November 2016

Scampi growth work

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research. Live scampi were planned to be released on to the seabed via brown paper bags weighted with river stones. The scampi were planned to remain on the seabed until caught. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 402KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 419KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 415KB)

Commenced: 11 September 2016
Completed: 30 September 2016

Southern Blue Whiting

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research. The tilt angle of southern blue whiting was measured in situ using cameras deployed to the seabed.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 572KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 780KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 365KB)

Commenced: 18 September 2016
Completed: 19 September 2016

Cross Shelf Exchange Moorings II

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct seafloor sampling off northeast New Zealand. This activity collected bottom sediment samples using a multi-corer. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 1.05MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 755KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 436KB)

Commenced: 14 May 2016
Completed: 28 May 2016

Scampi growth work in the Auckland Islands

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research. Live scampi were planned to be released on to the seabed via brown paper bags weighted with river stones. The scampi were planned to remain on the seabed until caught. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 409KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 490KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 499KB)

Commenced: 15 March 2016
Completed: 24 March 2016

Argo Float Deployment

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations to deploy Argo floats on the Campbell Plateau as part of the International Argo Programme. The floats collected temperature and salinity profiles and are designed to float out of New Zealand waters. Two floats were planned to be deployed.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 435KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 529KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 675KB)

Commenced: 8 February 2016
Completed: 8 February 2016

Argo Floats

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to deploy Argo floats in the New Zealand EEZ as part of the International Argo Programme. The floats collected temperature and salinity profiles and are designed to float out of NZ waters. Four floats were planned to be deployed.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 588KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 594KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 825KB)

Commenced: 3 November 2015
Completed: 3 November 2015

Southern Havre Volcanic Research

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct seafloor sampling using rock dredges and piston coring. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 551KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 561KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 977KB)

Commenced: 14 October 2015
Completed: 24 October 2015

Scampi Acoustic Tag Mooring in the Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa. NIWA deployed moorings which released live tagged scampi on to the seafloor and acoustically track their movements in and out of their burrows. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 391KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 429KB)

Commenced: 16 February 2015
Completed: 30 July 2015

Benthic Biodiversity Sampling on the Chatham Rise

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. NIWA collected samples from the seafloor with an epi-benthic sled to identify the species present. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 443KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 445KB)

Commenced: 28 March 2015
Completed: 14 April 2015

Cross Shelf Exchange Moorings

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the northeast coast of New Zealand. NIWA deployed oceanographic moorings to measure ocean current, temperatures and salinity, and to trap sediment. Additionally, NIWA also deployed ocean gliders during a separate activity which are propelled through the water collecting data for up to 30 days before recovery.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 838KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 913KB)

Commenced: 7 May 2015
Completed: 8 May 2015

Cross Shelf Exchange Moorings - Additional Sediment Sampling

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the northeast coast of New Zealand. NIWA collected bottom sediment samples using a multicorer. Up to 15 coring activities were undertaken. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 879KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 626KB)

Commenced: 7 May 2015
Completed: 22 May 2015

Piston Coring Trials

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the northeast coast of New Zealand. NIWA conducted trials with their piston coring equipment. Up to 50 7cm diameter cores were taken. No equipment will be left on the seafloor. 

Read the Pre-activity Notice (PDF, 883KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 617KB)

Read the Post Activity Report (PDF, 322KB)

Commenced: 8 May 2015
Completed:21 June 2015

East Coast Landslides Voyage

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to deploy Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) and to conduct core sampling to measure land slide activity in the East Coast Basin. The OBS were moored for periods of five to seven days, the cores collected 0-3m of sediment from the seabed with some rock collection 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 660KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 384KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 130KB)

Commenced: 16 April 2014
Completed: 4 May 2014

Benthic Sampling in South Canterbury

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct benthic sampling in South Canterbury between Banks Peninsula and Timaru. This project was part of a continuing NIWA project to determine the effects of bottom fishing on benthic communities in the EEZ. Grab samples and research-sled tows were used to take samples of the large organisms growing at the surface of the sediment. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 171KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 190KB)

Commenced: 7 March 2014
Completed: 14 March 2014

Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems Research

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct Marine Scientific Research on the Louisville Seamount Chain. NIWA aimed to ‘ground truth’ large scale predictive habitat suitability models by using an array of instrumentation in the water column and the collection of samples from the sea floor.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 349KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 332KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 130KB)

Commenced: 8 February 2014
Completed: 2 March 2014

NB: This activity took place outside of the EEZ and Continental Shelf boundary however, the post-activity report has been submitted for completeness.

West Coast Canyons Survey

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct Marine Scientific Research in the West Coast Canyons South Island Region. NIWA aimed to define the deep sea canyon in order to evaluate the environmental changes in the marine environment and contribute to the understanding of the biodiversity of deep-sea seamounts. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 429KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 446KB)

Read the post-activity report  (PDF, 3.56MB) 

Commenced: 9 October 2013
Completed: 28 October 2013

Mernoo Bank Scampi Survey

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct Marine Scientific Research on the Mernoo Bank, Chatham Rise. NIWA deployed moorings with scientific instruments to detect the activity of acoustically tagged scampi. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 240KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 323KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 221KB)

Commenced: 11 October 2013
Completed: 11 October 2013

Campbell Island Rise Southern Blue Whiting Research

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects-Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct Marine Scientific Research. NIWA planned to undertake fisheries research on southern blue whiting to the East of Campbell Island Rise. 

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 304KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 298KB)

Note: This activity did not go ahead due to adverse weather. There will be no post-activity report.

Hikurangi Seafloor Sampling Programme

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulations 11(a) and (c) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations 2013 to conduct marine scientific research in waters off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. NIWA planned to use a piston core system to take up to 100 sediment core samples of 7 cm diameter. Additionally, a sediment-penetrating heat probe was deployed up to 100 times; rock dredges were used over areas of up to 500m2; and an acoustic positioning beacon deployed on a sacrificial mooring.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 627KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 634KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 838KB)

Commenced: 30 October 2015
Completed: 23 November 2015

Madden Seafloor Sampling Programme

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulations 11(a) and (c) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations 2013 to conduct marine scientific research in waters off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. NIWA will use a piston core system to take up to 60 sediment core samples of 7 cm diameter.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 467KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 626KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 743KB)

Commenced: 26 November 2015
Completed: 1 December 2015

Fisheries Oceanography Research

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from NIWA under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. NIWA will be conducting fine-mesh bottom trawl, standard bottom trawl and multi-coring. The activity consisted of two voyages planned for August and November 2015.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 541KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 333KB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 657KB)

Commenced: 6 August 2015
Completed: 21 December 2015​​​​

Geotechnical Survey – Taranaki Basin

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from OMV to conduct a geotechnical survey around three well sites in the Taranaki Region. Sampling was undertaken by Fugro on NIWA's vessel RV Tangaroa using a combination of Vibro-core and piston core to collect samples from the seafloor and a cone penetrometer test which was designed to penetrate the seafloor but not recover samples. We issued a waiver of a procedural requirement for this activity.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 501KB)

Read the initial environmental impact assessment (pdf 1.8MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 231KB)

Commenced: 30 March 2019
Completed: 18 April 2019

Benthic Baseline Survey – Great Southern Basin

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from OMV to conduct a benthic baseline survey of seabed environments. Sampling was undertaken by Fugro on NIWA's vessel RV Tangaroa using a combination of multicore, box core and piston core.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 320 KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 445 KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 2.4MB)

Benthic Baseline Survey – Taranaki Basin

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from OMV to conduct a benthic baseline survey of seabed environments, at proposed exploration and appraisal well locations. Sampling was undertaken using a Van-Veen grab sampler. Seabed video imagery was also collected at identified sites using a towed video sled.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.12MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 5.3MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 456KB)

Post-drill benthic surveys and video recording for Manaia-2 and Matuku-1

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from OMV under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct post-drilling benthic surveys for the Manaia-2 and Matuku-1 wells. Planned sampling methods included the use of a van Veen grab sampler. An epibenthic video recording of the seabed conditions was also taken. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.12MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 410KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 503KB)

Commenced: 9 March 2016
Completed: 11 March 2016

Post-drill monitoring of Matuku-1

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from OMV NZ Ltd to conduct benthic monitoring around the Matuku-1 well head as set out in the Discharge Management Plan. Planned sampling methods included the use of a van Veen grab sampler. An epibenthic video recording of the seabed conditions was also taken. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 897KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.3MB)

Commenced: 27 March 2015
Completed: 27 March 2015

Post-drill monitoring of Manaia-2

We received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from OMV NZ Ltd to conduct benthic monitoring around the Matuku-1 well head as set out in the Discharge Management Plan. Planned sampling methods included the use of a van Veen grab sampler. An epibenthic video recording of the seabed conditions was also taken. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.1MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.3MB)

Commenced: 28 March 2015
Completed: 28 March 2015

Acoustic monitoring of baleen whales in the South Taranaki Bight

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Oregon State University (OSU) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the South Taranaki Bight. OSU, in collaboration with NIWA, intended on deploying five marine autonomous recording units (MARUs) to monitor for the presence of acoustically-active marine species, specifically low-frequency baleen whales (such as blue whales). The MARUs will be deployed to the seabed using an iron anchor. Over a two-year deployment period starting in January/February 2016 (with 6 monthly refurbishments), the units acquired and storde acoustic data. At the end of the deployment, the recording units were acoustically released for final retrieval, leaving the anchors on the sea floor to dissolve over time.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 325KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 321KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 321KB)

Commenced: 1 September 2017

Completed: 5 February 2018

Water column sampling

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research North-East of New Zealand, starting in Auckland and then heading out of New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone. They intend to sample the upper water column for chemical analysis as well as collected phytoplankton and zooplankton.  Some above water and instrument driven observations are planned, as well with hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 905KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 918KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 499KB)

Commenced: 3 October 2019 
Completed: 6 November 2019 

Water column research

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research east of New Zealand, from Lyttleton and out of New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone. They sampled the upper water column for chemical analysis as well as collected phytoplankton and zooplankton.  Some above water and instrument driven observations occurred, as well with hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.1mb)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.2mb)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 660kb)

Water column research

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research east of New Zealand, from as far south as Dunedin to as far north as Russell. They sampled the upper water column for chemical analysis as well as collected phytoplankton and zooplankton. Sailing objectives were based on the needs of the curriculum for the undergraduate research projects.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 497 KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 923 KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 647KB)

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. SEA used a variety of methods to collect the data. There was also continuous underway measurements taken in the water column. Some above water and instrument driven observations occurred including hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 960kb)

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research along the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. SEA uses a variety of methods to collect the data. There was also continuous underway measurements taken in the water column. Some above water and instrument driven observations occurred including hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 648KB)

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research from Lyttleton, to Chatham Island, and out of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone. SEA used a variety of methods and instruments to collect the data. There was also continuous underway measurements taken in the water column. Some above water and instrument driven observations occurred including hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB) Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 397KB)

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research along the East Coast of New Zealand. SEA used a variety of methods and instruments to collect the data. There was also continuous underway measurements taken in the water column. Some above water and instrument driven observations occurred including hourly visual surveys, and aerial drone surveys.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.9MB)

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research along the North-East Coast of New Zealand.

SEA will use a variety of methods and instruments to collect the data. There will be continuous monitoring in the water column, with some close to the surface and some in the upper water column. Some above water observation will occur as well.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 604KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 411KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.9MB)

Commenced: 16 November 2017

Completed: 3 January 2018

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research along the North-East Coast of New Zealand. They used a variety of sampling methods, which included continuous underwater monitoring of seawater properties; taking samples of the tiny plants and animals that live on and near the surface of the water (zooplankton and phytoplankton); and seafloor sediment sampling. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.9MB)

Commenced: 31 October 2017
Completed: 6 November 2017

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research along the Chatham Rise off the East Coast of New Zealand. They used a variety of sampling methods, which included continuous underwater monitoring of seawater properties; taking samples of the tiny plants and animals that live on and near the surface of the water (zooplankton and phytoplankton); and seafloor sediment sampling. 

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 384KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 371KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 390KB)

Commenced: 31 March 2017
Completed: 7 April 2017

Marine Scientific Research and Undergraduate Student Education

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research along the eastern coast of the North and South Islands. They used a variety of sampling methods, which included continuous underwater monitoring of seawater properties; taking samples of the tiny plants and animals that live on and near the surface of the water (zooplankton and phytoplankton); and seafloor sediment sampling. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 321KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 440KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 275KB)

Commenced: 24 February 2017
Completed: 22 March 2017

Sea Education Association Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the north-eastern coast of New Zealand. They used a variety of sampling methods, which included continuous underwater monitoring of seawater properties. They also sampled zooplankton near the water surface. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 265KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 478KB)

Commenced: 13 November 2016
Completed: 7 January 2017

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the north-eastern coast of New Zealand. They used a variety of sampling, which included continuous underwater monitoring of seawater properties. They will also sample zooplankton near the water surface. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 316KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 478KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.12MB)

Commenced: 2 November 2016
Completed: 6 November 2016

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the eastern coast of New Zealand. Activities included continuous underway measurements and station-based work where water column sampling will occur. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 576KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 644KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 670KB)

Commenced: 3 April 2016
Completed: 13 April 2016

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research off the eastern coast of New Zealand. Activities included continuous underway measurements and station-based work where water column sampling occurred. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 327KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 550KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 899KB)

Commenced: 20 February 2016
Completed: 25 March 2016

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research to the North East of Auckland. Activities included continuous underway measurements and station based work where water column sampling will occur. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 353KB)

Read the revised initial environmental assessment (pdf 816KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 616KB)

Commenced: 19 November 2015
Completed: 7 January 2016

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research to the North East of Auckland. Activities included continuous underway measurements and station based work where water column sampling occurred.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 347KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 347KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 576KB)

Commenced: 2 November 2015
Completed: 9 November 2015

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the Chatham Rise. This voyage departed from Lyttleton, and left New Zealand waters via the Chatham Islands. Sample types and purpose were similar to that of the previous four SEA voyages notified to the EPA, with underway measurements, water column sampling, and net tows. 

Read the Pre-Activity Notice (pdf 1.37MB)

Read the Initial Environmental Assessment (pdf 350KB)

Commenced: 26 March 2015
Completed: 4 April 2015

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research on the eastern side of the North Island. This voyage departed from Auckland, travelled north to Paihia, then south to Wellington before travelling onto the Chatham Rise and south to Dunedin. Sample types and purpose were similar to that of the previous three SEA voyages notified to the EPA, with underway measurements, water column sampling, net tows and shipek grab samples. 

Read the Pre-Activity Notice (pdf 376KB)

Read the Initial Environmental Assessment (pdf 347KB)

Read the Post Activity Report (pdf 309KB)

Commenced: 13 February 2015
Completed: 20 March 2015

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in the Hauraki Gulf area. This voyage departed from Auckland, circumnavigated Great and Little Barrier islands, before returning to Auckland Harbour. Sample types and purpose were similar to that of the previous two SEA voyages notified to the EPA, however no shipek grab samples were taken on this particular voyage.

Read the SEA 256B pre-activity notice (pdf 374KB)

Read the SEA 256B initial environmental assessment (pdf 355KB)

Read the SEA256B post activity report (pdf 186KB)

Commenced: 14 January 2015
Completed: 19 January 2015

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association (SEA) under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in multiple regions around the North Island of New Zealand. This voyage departed from Wellington, travelled north up the east coast of the North Island, before approaching Auckland via the Hauraki Gulf. Samples were taken from the water column for chemical analysis, zooplankton will be collected by net tows, and phytoplankton will be collected by a drifted net. Shipek grab samples will also be taken from the seabed. The primary purpose of the voyage was to teach oceanographic sampling techniques to undergraduate students but data will also be collected for longer term projects as described by SEA to the EPA in the previous permitted activity notification. 

Read the SEA 256A pre-activity notice (pdf 335KB)

Read the SEA 256A initial environmental assessment (pdf 358KB)

Read the SEA 256A post activity report (pdf 159KB)

Commenced: 1 January 2015
Completed: 7 January 2015

Oceanographic Sampling Techniques for Undergraduate Students

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environmental Assessment from the Sea Education Association under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct marine scientific research in multiple regions around New Zealand. The voyage departed Auckland and travelled down the west coast of the North Island, across the Cook Strait, and down the east coast of the South Island before ending in Wellington. The primary purpose of the voyage was to teach oceanographic sampling techniques to undergraduate students. Data was also collected for longer term projects on the abundance and distribution of plankton, floating tar and plastic, biology of thermal fronts, geology of carbonate banks, and the ecology of shallow production banks. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 333KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 335KB)

Read the post activity report (pdf 1.99MB)

Commenced: 17 November 2014
Completed: 21 December 2014

Seafloor sampling in the Regina Basin

The EPA received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Statoil New Zealand B.V. under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct seafloor sampling off the West Coast of northern New Zealand. The sampling programme consisted of piston coring, heat flow measurements and box coring. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 1.5MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 1.1MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 810KB)

Commenced: 15 March 2016
Completed: 25 March 2016

Grade Control Drilling in Taranaki Bight

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from TTR under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct iron sand prospecting and exploration in Taranaki Bight. TTR undertook reverse circulation drilling to a maximum depth of 11 meters to obtain sediment samples for analysis. The activity commenced on 11 February 2014 and was completed on the 14 March 2014.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 187KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 201KB)

Read the post-activity notice (pdf 182KB)

Commenced: 11 February 2014
Completed: 14 March 2014

South East New Zealand, Paleogene Climate study

We have received a Pre-activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Texas A&M University to conduct marine scientific research in the EEZ, south east of New Zealand. They will take sediment cores using a variety of methods, and analyse these to gain insights into past climates. The activity is set to commence on 3 January 2020, and will run for 17 days within the EEZ.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 13MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 1.4MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 396KB)

Commenced:16 January 2020

Completed: 26 January 2020

Hikurangi subduction margin, slow-slip study

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Texas A&M to conduct an investigation at Hikurangi Subduction Margin, into the movement of the earth at tectonic plate boundaries, and its relationship to great earthquakes. They used a variety of methods in their investigation, including sediment cores and installation of long-term borehole observatories. This activity commenced on 14 March 2018 and run for 54 days.

Read the pre-activity notice (PDF, 4MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (PDF, 2.5MB)

Read the post-activity report (PDF, 813KB)

Commenced: 14 March 2018 

Completed: 3 May 2018

Tasman Frontier Subduction Initiation and Paleogene Climate

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Texas A&M University under Regulation 11(a) of the EEZ (Environmental Effects–Permitted Activities) Regulations to conduct a drilling and seismic investigation off the west coast of Northland. They planned to drill at three locations to study the subsea geology in the Tasman sea. 

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 4MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 2.5MB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.53MB)

Commenced: 21 August 2017

Completed: 15 September 2017

Creeping Gas Hydrate Slides and Hikurangi LWD

We received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Texas A&M University to conduct a drilling and seismic investigation off the Hikurangi Trench east of New Zealand. They plan to drill three holes and take measurements along the Trench. The activity started on 16 December 2017 lasted for 25 days.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 3.69MB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 478KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 1.44 MB)

Commenced: 16 December 2017

Completed: 3 January 2018

Brothers Volcano Research Survey

The EPA has received a Pre-Activity Notification and Initial Environment Assessment from Sea Education Association (SEA) to conduct marine scientific research at Brothers Volcano in the Kermadec Arc. A remotely operated vehicle was used to observe activity at the active vents. Fluid and rock samples were also taken. No materials were to be left at the site.

Read the pre-activity notice (pdf 740KB)

Read the initial environmental assessment (pdf 482KB)

Read the post-activity report (pdf 476KB)