Orakei Basin sluice gates project

Introduction | History | Ecology of Orakei Basin | Options considered | Proposed management approach | Technical reports

Ecology of Orakei Basin

Rail embankment.

The construction of the rail embankment has helped create a very sheltered environment and has altered the natural tidal flow in and out of the basin. This has resulted in high sediment build up.

The flushing programme makes it difficult for both intertidal and subtidal species to colonise the area. (Intertidal species live in the area between the high and low tide mark and are sometimes exposed to air and sometimes covered in seawater. Subtidal species are those that live below the low tide mark and are always covered by seawater).

This means that the species found in the basin are opportunistic species well adapted to disturbed environments.

A small area of mangroves can be found on the northern side of the basin.

Reviewed - March 2007.