Gellibrand River Estuary

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768 results found (Displaying 201 - 250)
ID Date Status Details
#10713 13 Jan 2017 Approved Notes:

Observations taken from beach not Gp1 because of wind & very heavy rain

Mouth open with flow between rock & cliff. Intermittent waves entering from very rough sea over a much wider area. Strong long shore drift across mouth

Last hi tide   has travelled well up on beach over steep high beach front and flow has turned to travel west in depression behind rise to enter mouth & channel.

Tides have wide range - Low tide @ 18:58  = 0.2    Hi tide @ 02:18  = 1.14.         

Sand area at south side of estuary is being re formed into new rises & inlets

Many small fish in shallow water beside low track near car park

Waves across estuary to south east cr. from north west wind

Good catches of Black Bream & Mullet continue to be caught

#10678 6 Jan 2017 Approved Notes:

Observations taken nearing low tide

Flow reducing. Pale discharge out around mouth & along shoreline to east, also some to west.

Beach curved with highest area near mouth

Channel shallow sand has built up at mid channel & at entrance. Flow only between rock & cliff face through shallow rapids. Edge of channel has steep bank .50m above water level

Very large no. small fish in shallow water beside low track close to stream side veg. 5 turquoise dragonflies in that area

#10657 30 Dec 2016 Approved Notes:

Dark discharge out around mouth, to east & also to west, slight longshore drift across mouth

Beach horseshoe shaped, with high sand along beach face, highest close to mouth. Beach very wide

Small area of sand bar in estuary exposed & large expanse of sand south side of estuary. Many small fish in water beside low track close to car park

Dead Black Bream SE side of estuary where scum has accumulated

#10650 23 Dec 2016 Approved Notes:

Observations taken near low tide. Humidity high. Swell time 11-10 sec

Reduced dark brown reddish discharge around mouth & alongside beach face to east

Mouth shallow, occasional long shore drift across mouth. Greatly increased sand build up. Flow only between rock & cliff. Side of channel has sheer side suggesting a strong release as sea level dropped at last low tide

Beach face high with lower area between face & dunes

Sandbar well uncovered also side of low track where algae is forming on stream side veg & sea-grass. Mosquito larvae, mosquitoes & flies in areas nearer car park but many small fish observed at south side of estuary

Turquoise dragonflies (3) & red Damselfly (1)  amongst stream side veg east side of estuary

#10647 17 Dec 2016 Approved Notes:

Reddish brown discharge out over increased sand build up only immediately around the mouth

Rough sea assisted by south wind sending some waves up over steep beach front into dip then turning west & proceeding toward mouth & channel at last hi tide

South wind blowing a large amount of sand down beside channel into the estuary

Black silt pattern on sand south side of estuary & channel entrance area

Algae forming on stream side veg.especially at Lt1.

Dead female kangaroo on sand near channel entrance to estuary

#10624 10 Dec 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Reduced outflow out shallow over large sand build up at mouth. Travelling east along foreshore. Long shore drift across mouth
  • Swash line up high on beach with 1000's+ Velella at all stages of development
  • Strong wind gusts  (8) on 07/12/16 have reshaped the dunes especially next to Gp1 & E end of beach
  • Steep rise from sea at E end of beach but rocky area has been scoured out (depth to sea about 5 - 8m)
  • Steep rise in height of sand at E end beach then dips down at mid beach where waves impact then rises even higher close to mouth
  • More rock falls on west cliff face
  • Area where channel meets estuary has changed - much wider, large areas of black sand are have been deposited in this area
  • Only mosquito lava seen in scour holes along low track, but closer to car park small fish were present in confined areas
  • Pacific gull observed at E end of beach
#10598 4 Dec 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Observations taken at low tide
  • Flow out -reducing dark discharge out over sand build up at mouth. Travelling east along foreshore & going out to sea about 2/3 rds' along beach
  • Sand visible in breakers out to sea
  • Hi tide has been well up on beach & estuary 
  • Eastern end of beach has larger curve & sand is highest closer to mouth
  • Dark silt in swash line along beach & in estuary. This pattern clearly shows how storm surge 12/11/16 deposited sand along south side of estuary
  • Mouth affected by long shore drift sending some small waves into channel
  • Very large no small fish in shallow water along south side of estuary
  • 1 dead Shear water (foxed) near mouth
#10579 26 Nov 2016 Approved Notes:

Flow out to east but reduced since 20/1/16. Long shore drift across mouth with small waves entering channel

Beach very wide with high front, some waves up & over. Also very large expanse of sand south side of estuary. Swash line on ocean beach has 1000's of 'by the wind sailors' & large amount of dark silt.

Sand bar exposed showing channel in mid section

Wind SW at south side of estuary, S along channel & SE along beach to mouth. Sand blowing down channel into estuary. Some wind gusts above 7

More rock falls from cliff face

 

#10578 12 Nov 2016 Approved Notes:

Dark discharge from draining flats up stream.( water drained from below G4 but is still draining upstream to G6. ( cape pond weed is flowering) Land slips along OOR between G5&G6

 Flow out along foreshore to east

Foreshore is now undulating and beach very wide. Large areas of sand exposed in on south side of estuary. Sand extends north into estuary as well.The 'flow' of sand recently deposited by storm surge shows distinct levels  (about .50m from present water level at edge) with about 30 - 40 cm. difference across area.Sand bar now has channel through middle.

Juvenile Nankeen Kestrel on debris near mouth

Sand has built up along parts of low track where new scour holes occur near previous two that currently contain small Flathead gudgeon & juvenile Tupong)

#10580 5 Nov 2016 Approved Notes:

Dark discharge strong flow out along foreshore to east , going out to sea about 2/3  to east

Gale force winds overnight 7-8 & 5.8m seas currently sending waves up to base of dunes all along the beach. East end continues to be impacted creating long shore drift to mouth. Some waves entering channel over a wide area(from sand dune to cliff) then turning east & impacting on low track which is completely under water

water up to bearer just below deck on fishing platform at G2

Wind gusts 7 at Gp1 -wind from NE at Gp1 but from WNW across the estuary

#10462 29 Oct 2016 Approved Notes:

Dark discharge out along foreshore

Strong outflow but small waves entering & travelling north across the sandbar

Sea rough with occasional very high set of waves -SW swell continues to impact east end of beach causing long-shore drift to mouth. Previously high sand near east end has been reduced in height by wave action. Swash-line high up on beach (many purple shells)

Recent storm surges have deposited more sand into the estuary extending sand at south side further north into the estuary(observation taken near low tide).Sand bar visable with channel partly cut into middle. The deep scour areas along low track have been filled in and new ones created. Areas of black sand at start of channel from estuary

Maram grass regeneration along base of dunes closer to mouth. Increase of Euphorbia paralais & senecio elegans along dunes

Thousands of small eels(?)/ fish making their way upstream observed at G4. moving along vev at side of channel away from strong flow

Rivernook flats have no visable water cover but all areas up stream to G6 are under water- no flood water below G4

 

#10459 24 Oct 2016 Pending
#10458 20 Oct 2016 Pending
#10717 15 Oct 2016 Approved Notes:
  • very dark dirty discharge out directly to east only
  • no waves entering / longshore drift present, SW swell continues to impat east end of beach
  • beach very high near east end
  • very low tide sand bar exposed
  • huge expanse of sand S side of esturay exposed extending into estuary well beyond tunnel (distance from sand near tunnel 30m)
  • low track has been built up by sand in ,any areas
  • sea grass exposed and coveres with silt
  • change in shape of sandbar
#10716 24 Sep 2016 Approved Notes:
  • very dark discharge out around mouth and pale discharge to east and out to sea
  • intermittent waves entering mouth
  • channel has steep sides in 3 stages 1-1.5m above water
  • beach very wide and sloping (low tide) highest near east end
  • SW swell continues to impact and erode dunes at east end
  • waves going over high beach front near E and and travelling along beach in slight depression to west
  • large area of sand exposed S side of estuary
  • sandbar nearly completely exposed at low tide
  • sand along side of low track exposed showing large areas of sea grass
  • no visible flood waters at G4 (rivernook waterlogged but no visible water)
  • area upstream still extremely flooded
#10715 17 Sep 2016 Approved Notes:
  • longshore drift active meeting outflow and incoming S/W swell. waves in all directions, backwash along beach rolling sand
  • extremely fast dark dirty flow around mouth to east west and going out to sea about mid beach
  • some waves entering over top of out flow and travelling into estuary
  • 2 hooded plovers and 1 young ?
  • 2 surfers on jetskis
  • 2 canoe paddles found east end of beach
  • more erosion to cliff face
  • beach very wide
  • wavs continue to erode east end of beach to sand dunes (height over 2m)
  • beach much higher about 40 m west and extends out to sea
  • debris from flood water along beach
  • channel has 60cm high sheer sides
  • large deposits of frog spawn in debris at side of channel
  • Burrupa peaked on 16/9/16
  • G6 peaked about 12:40 17/9/16
  • water receding all areas 18/9/16
#10714 5 Sep 2016 Approved Notes:
  • salt water entering channel up to tunnel entrance at times
  • sand building up at enterance (visible up to and around rocks under shallow waves)
  • main flow between rocks and cliff
  • waves high up on beach (very wide area and highest at mid beach) dragging and rolling sand being tossed by LSD from SW swell impact at east end as it travels to mouth
  • east end of beach carves out
  • waves travelling N across sand bar in estuary
  • 1 hooded plover feeding along coast line
  • road excavation at flood marks OOR, water very dark and smells bad
  • flood water around G$ water logged
  • water still retained around G5 - Cape pondweed prolific
#10712 27 Aug 2016 Approved Notes:
  • strong dark outflow around mouth and along shoreline to the east
  • despite strong outflow, small waves entering
  • channel east side 1m+ sheers sides
  • NW wind bring waves to S/SE side of estuary
  • N wind blowing down channel taking sand into flow
  • E end of beach continue to scour out dunes but sand area at mid beach extending further out to sea
  • white egret on sand bar. Peregrine falcon along cliff top and over estuary
#10711 10 Aug 2016 Approved Notes:
  • waves moving up estuary S-N visible from carpark
  • waves from north moving down eastern side
  • sandbank visible below water
  • winds on path NNW. wind lifting and blowing sand
  • top of second post visible
  • wide entrance, waves going in and no brown discolouration - outflow being help back. salt entering upstream
  • S-W swell impacting east end of beach carving out dunes
  • strong long shore drift
  • new rock fall at mouth
#10709 16 Jul 2016 Approved Notes:
  • water levels were much higher on the 13/7/16 AHD 1.43 at 13:43
  • very strong dark discharge out around mouth and to east
  • dark water out to pas 2nd sand bar form east west and along beach front
  • entrance is wide and fast flowing amd dirty. large amount of debris on beach
  • a .6 - .8m sheer face to edge of channel
  • east end of beach continues to scour out because of swell impact - reaching up into dunes
  • all of the beach is covered in silt and broken veg
  • low track partly uncovered - receding water levels have left a large circular "drainage" funnels
  • rotting seaweed along SE estuary and low track
  • some puddles covered with bubbles (photo)
  • 5 stranded elvers, S side of estuary near start of channel
#10707 9 Jul 2016 Approved Notes:

water level in estuary low

  • 3 stick caddis on s side of estuary
  • water gauge ebbing and flowing in and along low track from waves
  • SW swell impacting at east end of beach (sand drift has gone further back toward dunes and towards entrance)
  • slight LSD across mouth
  • waves entering channel and east into estuary
  • water level at G6 2.55AHD - flooding from G6 midway between G5 and G6, reducing from flat point
  • very slight cover at drain
#10402 3 Jul 2016 Approved Notes:
  • AHD @ G6 2.41@09:00
  • Dark discharge around mouth being held back by V.rough SW Swell
  • SW swell impacting on E end of beach has created a continuous sand cliff from mid beach to rocks at east end (1-2m.) Some waves going over the top.
  • Very strong rip going out at east end, meeting incoming waves then travelling fast parallel to foreshore toward mouth(west). The resulting longshore drift on reaching the mouth turns N entering the channel and then turns east into the estuary
  • Waves in all direction at mouth with backwash rolling more sand into channel (back wash stirring up sand all along the beach)
  • Sand build up at mouth visible under water. Sand stir visible in ocean
  • Water has covered all of low track at last hi tide
  • Strong N wind across estuary
  • OOR water visible at edge of road near flood markers, water across causeway @ G4 & flats upstream underwater but level lower than 25/6/16
  • 4 dead Kangaroos found NW end of camp ground
#10399 25 Jun 2016 Pending Notes:
  • Strong dark outflow out around mouth being held back by SW swell & longshore drift
  • Strong rip at mid beach
  • Longshore drift entering channel & turning east into estuary
  • Waves in all directions at mouth scouring sand into channel
  • Sand cliffs to 1.5m high formed from mid beach to east end, but beach from mid way to mouth is gradual wide slope
  • Waves from strong SW swell travelling up to base of dunes & scouring out area next to rocks
  • Wave erosion along side of low track
  • White sea Eagle (immature ) near top of cliff near channel/ estuary start
#10372 18 Jun 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Dark discharge out across mouth only
  • Waves entering & travelling up channel into estuary
  • Flow out over sand build up, deeper channel against cliff
  • Steep front forming at mid beach but long gradual slope down to ocean at entrance
  • Large number of Coots in middle of estuary
#10349 2 Jun 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Dark discharge out but only directly around the mouth
  • Small waves entering over outflow & continuing up channel turning east at start of estuary
  • Sand continues to build up at mouth around rocks but out flow has increased
  • Gradual slope down to sea at mouth, waves entering over a wide area
  • Sand has built up higher at eastern end of beach covering rocks
  • Small area at centre of beach has been scoured out, surrounding sides higher -strong backwash in front of this area
  • Small 'Jellies' in swash line
  • Seaweed drying out & starting to smell bad in remaining damp area. It remains alongside channel & south side of estuary but has formed very large mounds (2) on foreshore. Some is even on low track close to ocean car park
  • Red swash line along s/side of estuary
  • Masses of small flying insects along low track (close to vegetation. Phragmities in that area has bad Aphis infestation
#10337 26 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • AHD G6 1.19 @1:21
  • Waves entering across a wide area, salt water up to tunnel entrance. Small waves entering estuary & travelling directly north toward camp ground
  • Channel very shallow with deeper narrow section against cliff
  • Sand being rolled into channel by backwash
  • blowing sand along beach into channel
  • Seaweed has been spread out but very large mound remains on foreshore
  • Small fish in pools alongside low track
#10338 21 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Salt entering over a wide area, only small waves up channel
  • Waves going high up on beach -backwash rolling sand back to ocean & into channel
  • Large amount of seaweed including 1 very large mound on beach -seaweed extends down channel & alongside the south side of estuary
  • Floodwater reducing upstream
  • Bittern near OOR in north wetlands
#10365 19 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth open, small waves entering into estuary. Only salt return along narrow channel against cliff face over large sans build up both along channel & mouth
  • Wind from NE blowing sand into channel
  • Waves high up on beach -backwash rolling sand especially at mid beach
  • Very large amount of sea weed washed alongside channel & around onto S side of estuary
  • wind from N at Gp1, from NW across estuary, NE along channel.(Gusts up to 6)
#10364 15 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth open strong dark discharge flowing along foreshore & out to sea at east end of beach
  • Rip near mouth & slight longshore drift getting covered by incoming SW swell. Some small waves entering the estuary
  • Sand from N/E (gust 5-6) wind along channel blowing very large amount of sand into water
  • Very large area of sand exposed on south side of estuary
  • Water level much lower in estuary but sea grass area still covered. Only small area of sandbar exposed
  • Immature White sea eagle over estuary
#10363 14 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth very wide with fast flow. Dark discharge to east along foreshore & slight amount to west along cliffs
  • waves high up on beach at east end, large amount of foam & silt in that area
  • Channel turns east along beach, steep sides along channel 1.5-2m high
  • High sand turbidity in out flow, water very dark & reddish in colour
  • Beach higher at east end and at mouth
  • Black silt under decomposing seaweed & iridescent 'skeins' forming on still water along low track
#10359 13 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Despite mouth being open (P.O. 12/5/16) flood levels have risen overnight. Water is now completely over to the other side of the GOR
  • OCR/wetlands area also has increased flooding(very large no of small fish observed in flood waters in this area)
  • Dark discharge flowing out very strongly over a shallow area at entrance, east side of channel has sheer 1-2.5m high sides that are gradually collapsing into the strong out flow. Estuary front is still straight across from cliff to sand dunes
  • Beach projects out to sea at both east & west ends, highest at centre with gentle slope down to ocean at mouth
  • N wind blowing large amount of sand into channel
  • Peregrine falcon at entrance
  • no sequential photos were taken
#10358 12 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Opening attempt 11/5/16 failed as very rough seas over night filled in the channel with sand
  • More sand on berm, the largest rock is now almost completely covered
  • 3rd P.O. commenced 09:00 in deep water (berm extended a long way into the estuary under water)
  • Observations made at low tide
  • Beach higher at midway with gentle slope down to ocean in front of estuary
  • Wind from south on beach & from north across estuary & down channel
  • 10:30 water strongly flowing out of new excavated channel
  • OCR completely covered east of G2 bridge
  • GOR water over to opposite side white line
  • OOR road underwater to GOR
  • Extensive flooding upstream on both sides of river channel
#10357 11 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Channel completely filled in by high seas @ 08:30
  • 2nd attempt at P.O. started @ 14:42 - this was abandoned because of dangerous conditions at about 15:30
  • Channel dug nearly to swash line & sea entered along partly excavated deep channel into estuary, eels were going out to sea in this flow
  • N wind creating strong waves in estuary travelling toward ocean.
  • Increased flooding in all areas
  • No sequential photos because of extreme conditions
#10356 10 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth closed, channel from P.O. 20160509 has nearly completely filled with sand, but shallow narrow area beside cliff remains with return to ocean from waves entering across a wide area, some small fish going out in flow
  • Winds from 5-7 everything getting sand blasted with strong gusts, sea V.rough, going high up all along beach & entering estuary. Beach 1/3 from estuary is slightly higher. Gradual slope down to ocean at mouth
  • Wind from SE at Gp1, from S on beach at entrance, from N down estuary
  • Longshore drift across mouth is being crossed over by SW swell, then meeting returning water creating surges in all directions
  • Large build up of sand visible under water extending into estuary.
  • Water is straight across channel & deep up against sand dunes below Gp1..Sand very soft & deep at entrance
  • Boardwalk deck is partially under water, large no. small fish in water
  • More rock falls at S end of cliff
  • Water 2/3 over GOR
#10355 9 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth closed
  • Wave going high up on beach
  • More rock falls with large rocks smashed
  • Many small fish swimming near surface around G2
  • 13:07 Attempted P.O. Narrow shallow channel dug with water flowing out to sea by13:41
  • Flood water about 1/2 way across GOR
  • Increased flood levels in all areas, water over road in camp ground
#10354 7 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth barred, estuary almost straight across from cliff to dune (below Gp1 site). Waves going over but not reaching estuary
  • Erosion occurring at southern end of cliff - small rock falls
  • Flood levels increasing upstream & in wetlands. Many waterbirds in flooded areas also small fish
  • OCR- water at sides of road but not across, west end of campground & adjoining property entrance under water. Picnic area & boardwalk wetland area flooded
  • GOR -water about 1/3 across
  • OOR -increased flood level at flood markers & water at sides of road further west toward GOR
#10352 5 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth barred but waves over on very wide front, travelling up into estuary. Only salt return
  • Waves up to dunes at east end from SW swell and high all along beach. Mid beach is higher with reduced wave cover
  • Large amount of sand rolling back to ocean with backwash
  • Waves tending to sweep around end of dunes below Gp1 and up into estuary. Large 'ripples' left from backwash
  • Large amount of sand visible in breakers
  • Less distance from estuary to sea, part of largest rock still above sand
  • Weak longshore drift across mouth
  • 2 Bitterns observed near flooded area OOR (early am.)Flood water depth increasing near flood markers and along sides of the road
  • GOR -flood water at side of road
  • Fishing platform under water with large no. Ibis in that area. Water only at sides of OCR but west end of camp ground well under
  • Water through causeway almost to concrete bridge deck at G4
#10350 4 May 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth closed but waves from V.rough/high sea over, some reaching estuary across a very wide front
  • Backwash from waves rolling large amount of sand back to ocean leaving deep channels
  • Waves very high up on beach at east end
  • Dead mackerel at base of Gp1
  • Low track under water up to car park, large amount of water on top track, deep water at west end of camp ground and at sides of OCR
  • Water commencing to cross over OOR at flood markers
  • Extensive flooding from Princetown to G4 and along south side of channel to G5
  • Galaxias commencing to spawn in flooded areas.
#10277 30 Apr 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Observations made near low tide
  • Berm increased in length. More sand at ocean exposed & more build up out to sea
  • Some waves have topped the berm but not gone far up the beach
  • Beach, wide & curved. At east end, sand projection extending out to sea creating 2nd smaller bay
  • WSW swell impacting strongly at east end with longshore drift travelling to projection but not much beyond that area
  • Sand build up along berm higher near mouth, reducing in height as it nears western cliff
  • Large amount of sand in waves in sea near mouth
  • More erosion along southern end of cliff
  • Peregrine falcon along cliff
  • Top track has more water cover & water is over the low track up to ocean car park
  • Run off in camp ground but no water over OCR. Water only along side of OOR at flood markers
  • Princetown wetlands flooded up to G4
  • Very large number of water birds in flood waters
  • Many o/s tourists photographing birds on wetlands north of Township
  • Hooded plover(3) sighted on Rivernook beach
  • N wind strengthening throughout monitoring
#10260 23 Apr 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth closed, some occasional waves from rough sea travelling about 20m. over the berm near the cliff face but not reaching the estuary
  • Length of berm greatly reduced but large area of sand under very shallow water extends from channel into a large area of the estuary
  • Waves from south directly impacting area near cliff
  • Beach front has straightened out
  • Large amount of sand visible in breakers out to sea, especially near western part of beach
  • Water starting to come onto low area of top track, none on OCR & only in small areas near the flood markers on OOR (road has recently been reformed)
  • Flats flooded from Princetown to G4. Also further upstream on south side only. Some water in all drains from recent run off
  • Berm length 34.2m.
#10250 16 Apr 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth barred -no flow
  • Low track under water, small fish noted
  • Sand cliff forming to east on Ocean beach
  • Seaweed clumps near mouth & around into the estuary
  • Sub surface sand at end of channel extending toward tunnel
  • Berm length 84.2m
#10236 5 Apr 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth closed between 03/4/16 & 04/04/16. very shallow before that but waves from rough sea going over berm into estuary. Waves over at last hi tide 05/04/16
  • Very long bar 82.5 m. but starting just around rocks and extending further into the estuary -channel completely filled in
  • Berm not high, gradually slopping to ocean. Current swash line around rocks but some waves going further toward estuary
  • Extremely large amount of seaweed along ocean beach, continuing around into the estuary & along low track. Also large clumps in water
  • Ocean beach -horseshoe in shape with highest area about 1/3rd from west cliff
  • Red scum/algae along waterline south side of estuary(blown by N wind)
#10230 29 Mar 2016 Pending Notes:
  • Narrow shallow flow along channel, between rocks & out over high sand build up. Channel very shallow from start (close to tunnel)
  • Sheer 0.40m. side to channel close to rocks
  • Previous high area of beach front east of outflow has been greatly reduced by waves from rough seas
  • Waves have been high up to sand dunes on beach and around into estuary. Seaweed clumps all along beach and estuary extending along low track to near car park
  • Sea rough, sand visible in breakers out from mouth.
  • Strong longshore drift crossing over outflow & meeting SW swell resulting in waves in all directions in front of rocks
  • Dark swash line along beach intensifying at east end.
  • Low tide, possible to walk around to 2nd. beach(east) where large areas of cliff erosion & areas of deeply scoured sand have occurred. 2 Hooded Plovers in this area feeding along swash line
  • 16 Silver gulls, 6 Terns on Princetown beach also 2 Pelicans on sand bar in estuary
#10222 19 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • large amount of sand filling in the entrance from rough seas and strong wind.
  • longshore drift travelling west across outflow being met by strong south west swell.
  • some waves entering channel.
  • pale discharge around mouth, practically obscured by waves.
  • large amount of sand in breakers out to sea.
  • beach sand cliff (small) at centre, rocks at east end exposed.
  • sand bar and low track well exposed.
  • some areas of exposed seagrass bleaching.
  • brown algae scum on sand area on low track.
  • iridescent algae left in water depression areas.
  • large number of cabbage butterflies on sea kale at start of the low track.
  • man small fish on the S/E section of estuary.
#10220 16 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • discharge from the estuary was a pale colour.
  • water levels in estuary are extremely low.
  • large areas of seagrass are exposed.
  • increase in seagrass distribution along the side of the lower track and in front of the fishing platform.
  • about seven large dead fish in water from G2 to the mouth.
  • small pipi shells stranded on drying seagrass.
  • large no. of dead and dying small fish in depression with remaining water along the low track. Identified as gudgeons, tupong, galaxias and estuary perch.
#10217 14 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Steep sides of channel near mouth reduced in height (not ones near ocean)
  • Sea rough, waves s/w swell with rip east of mouth meeting strong out flow all of which is being crossed by longshore drift ¿waves in all directions with some entering & traveling up channel.
  • Sand bar well exposed with green algae on edges , especially on west side
  • Seagrass well exposed along east side has recovered from exposure to drying out & new growth evident.
  • Unfortunately many shrimp etc. and small fish have been stranded in this area.
  • Further south near an isolated patch of Phragmities there is an extremely large fish kill of small fish- mainly Estuary Perch, flat head etc.
  • Also at fishing area on river bank south of camp ground & around auto monitoring station many small shrimp are stranded.
#10214 13 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • estuary mouth very wide.
  • large amount of foam and sand in the sea and along the beach.
  • some longshore drift across the mouth meeting south west swell.
  • some waves entering and going upstream.
  • many small fish stranded in pools now cut off from flow (estuary perch, flounder, flat head, mullet about 2-4cm)
  • thousands of small fish in water and larger schools of tommy rough.
#10211 12 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • estuary artificially opened at 13:00
  • swash high up on beach.
  • river very dark.
  • more sand pushed into estuary around rocks.
  • foam and algae removed by waves over berm during past few days.
  • waves creating curved scoured area on the ocean side of the berm.
  • excavation channel started at east side of estuary and curved toward the west. The channel is wide and shallow.
  • flow after opening was steady. By 16:40 waves were travelling upstream.
  • extremely large number of fish in shallow water near the start of the excavation channel.
#10194 9 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth barred-no exchange but waves have been over at last hi tide into estuary and high up all along the beach
  • Berm lowest near the cliff
  • Sw swell very high out from 2nd beach
  • Waves out from mouth carrying very large amount of sand-waves over berm have pushed more sand into estuary around rocks
  • Many small fish in estuary near berm. 1 dead Mullet on edge slightly up stream
  • water up to car park on low track and increased about 8m. along top track
  • no water over OCR or west end of camp ground
  • Water only to edge of OOR near flood markers
#10205 6 Mar 2016 Approved Notes:
  • Mouth barred, no waves over. Previous swash line high up on berm but not entering the estuary
  • Area of estuary where water meets the berm is still dark & starting to smell. Many small fish (2-5cm) in shallow water near this area
  • Bad smelling sheet like concentrated foam in swash line -more concentrated amounts near cliff
  • A rise in height of berm nearest sea has started to form, berm then dips down lower before the highest part closer to the estuary
  • 3 dead (long time dead)Trevally in shallow water at start of channel
  • Water cover slightly increased on top track
  • Water only along side of OOR at flood markers
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