Kia ora,

Health has been a big focus this year. We know when we are feeling healthy or not, but how can we tell if our environments are healthy? This newsletter will look at some ways that you can monitor the health and resilience of your local shore and determine whether it is in good health or not. Remember that the status of our shorelines will ultimately impact our own health.

Simple! Complete an Mm2 survey!

Mm2 is a great way to monitor the biodiversity of your shoreline! By going back to the same location over time, you can monitor whether what you are seeing is changing or not. Not only can you look for changes in the numbers of plants and animals, but you can keep an eye out for species that you may have not seen before on your local shore or for marine pests/introduced species.

Looking at the physical signs of health is also important. For example, noticing rubbish/signs of pollution or developments occurring near your shore could explain why you are seeing changes in what you are finding in your Mm2 survey. Make sure you record the different types and amount of substrate found so you can track whether there is more/less sediment over time (this is important as it can impact water quality!) Another way you can measure habitat health on the mudflats is by measuring the RPD level (the redox potential level). Watch the video below to find out more about what this is and how you can measure it!