Temperature Data from our waterways.

TBG have 15 Temperature Data Loggers purchased from NIWA. And what does this equipment tell us about our waterways?

This equipment is deployed at the start of summer and removed in Autumn. This deployment avoids potential flooding events and covers the warmer periods of the year. The Data Loggers are located in Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay. These Data Loggers read and record the water temperature. The devices record temperature every hour, everyday whilst deployed. The data is shared to TDC, Iwi and any Community groups that are interested. The dynamic information is recorded to provide data relevant to the waterway.

See map of some of the areas we have Temperature Data Loggers.

This is the second year we have collected data from our freshwater catchments. Some are in conjunction to our Whitebait Monitoring and Restoration Projects. Some are tied into our Catchment groups and other waterways are chosen for their local significance geologically and culturally.

Temperature determines the number and type of animals and plants that live in a waterway. Temperatures vary naturally with the seasons, while water is also usually colder at the bottom (due to groundwater input) and warmer on the surface (due to higher air temperature) of a stream, river, or lake. Many activities have the ability to change water temperatures, including the discharge of warmer cooling water from thermal power stations, the release of water from dams, the removal of riparian planting that shades and maintains temperatures in waterways, a reduction or increase in water levels due to abstraction or diversion of water used for irrigation, and the addition of warmer geothermal water. Most animals and plants that live in our waterways prefer a certain temperature range for optimum growth and reproduction and when temperatures change outside a preferred range they can be significantly impacted.

Potential impacts of changing temperatures on water quality and Mahinga Kai (Eco systems and Environment for Food Gathering)

  • Decreases in available oxygen (DO) with increasing temperatures – reduces oxygen available for Mahinga kai. 
  • Increases in fish metabolic rates – sudden changes, like those found at a discharge points, are more likely to cause stress and possibly fish death.
  • Increases in algal abundance and changes in the dominant species present – as the water gets warmer algal growth increases, often resulting in algae blooms.
  • Changes in the amount and type of animals present – some animals cannot tolerate extreme changes in temperature and will avoid these areas (habitats) of a waterway if unfavourable.
  • Changes in migration patterns – water temperature triggers the time of migration for breeding as mahinga kai travel to and from the sea.
  • Changes in water temperature and flow throughout streams or rivers or at localised points can have significant impacts on movement of fish through the water column (deep and shallow)

Share:

Get Involved

Join us in making a difference!

Whether you’re passionate about marine and freshwater ecosystems or simply want to give back, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteer with us, donate to support our initiatives, become a member to stay informed or sponsor a program to make a lasting impact. Share the positive news of our efforts with your friends and whānau or participate as a citizen-scientist and help us inspire more people to join our cause. Together, we can create thriving, healthy environments for future generations. Your support matters! 

Scroll to Top