Methods

Methods

Six sites around the shoreline of Waikareao Estuary were selected; three sites were alongside mānawa (mangrove) and three sites alongside urban rock pathways.

Each site was accessed between two hours before low tide until two hours after low tide.

Two transects were conducted at each site. Records were kept for each sampling, including the time and environmental conditions such as weather conditions, low tide time and level. Each 50m transect was placed perpendicular to the shoreline to measure the length of each zone, as identified by the researcher, e.g. zone 1= reeds/mangroves, zone 2= mudflat/sand flats etc. Next, 5x.25m2 quadrants were set haphazardly within each zone at each site, and the top 1cm of sediment was scraped back by hand. All live tītiko, tuangi and pipi were counted, photographed, identified and measured at their longest length. Worm and crab holes were also counted.

On completion, all organisms were returned to where they were found to minimise any impacts from the study.