Motupipi Inlet

Moderate macro-algal and phyto-plankton blooms probably due to high nutrient levels coming from the Motupipi River (the dominant inflow). About 35 hectares of saltmarsh and intertidal areas have been lost to reclamation but large areas of saltmarsh still remain.

This estuary is valued for its aesthetic appeal, its rich biodiversity, shellfish collection, swimming, duck shooting, whitebaiting, fishing, boating, walking and scientific appeal.

Because Motupipi is a small tidal-lagoon estuary, dilution of incoming freshwater is limited, which makes it more susceptible to water and sediment quality problems, particularly in the western arm (close to the input from the Motupipi River).

Much of the Motupipi Estuary is in good condition (particularly the eastern arm), but the western arm (upper, mid and lower) is subject to algal blooms, shellfish health risk and sedimentation. The upper estuary experiences periodic phytoplankton blooms and low dissolved oxygen. Elevated nutrients, sediment and disease-causing organisms enter the estuary from catchment run-off. As is the case with all estuaries, sea level rise will remove saltmarsh habitat and the invasion of pests and weeds is an ever-present threat.

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