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Description

Project Status
Start Date
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
End Date
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Project Type
Project Scope
Project Objectives

Work requested by and implemented in collaboration with the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR). The MMR has requested a baseline benthic habitat map of Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga to determine and monitor change in reef and algae coverage over time. The MMR has also requested an investigation of baseline water flow characteristics (speed and direction) through Muri Lagoon. These are required to monitor and observe possible changes expected with removal of existing engineered structures (fish traps). The MCSS Sector has deployed tide and wave recorders and one current profiler for minimum of 1 month (one full tidal cycle) and will produce a technical report with interpretation. Desk top study or review of existing SOPAC data holdings in respect to Muri Lagoon completed and delivered. Field data collection and habitat mapping has been completed in the 1st quarter 2011 and the draft baseline benthic habitat map of Muri Lagoon has been produced and sent to MMR CK for their comment.The technical report pertaining to the oceanographic data is being developed now and is expected to be complete by the 4th quarter 2011.