Activities such as fishing and sport within the inner Queen Charlotte Sound result in increased numbers of visitors to the area, especially in the summer and holiday periods. Local residents have expressed concerns that water quality can deteriorate and numbers of bacteria increase when there is a greater occupancy of house and baches, and use of boats in the area.
During the summer period since 1999 the Marlborough District Council, in association with the Lochmara Bay Residents Association, has carried out an intensive study of water quality as it relates to shellfish gathering standards.
Reports are available from Marlborough District Council.
Monitoring of water quality at bathing beach sites is carried out during the period November to February.
A recent report showing beach grades has just been prepared. Click below for file.
2003-2004 Coastal Monitoring Report (pdf) (2059kb)
Annual reports are available from the Marlborough District Council.
Consideration is being given to the development of a systematic environmental monitoring programme for the coastal marine area.
