Intertidal - Heavy metals
Issue
Heavy metals. Human activities can produce wastes like heavy metals and persistant organic poisons that can have lasting effects on coastal ecosystems.
Risk
Current information suggests this is not a significant risk to fisheries.
Extent of the issue
Pollution from heavy metals is restricted to a few areas adjacent to urban centres.
Trends
Most point-source heavy metal pollution issues arose around the middle of last century and have already been addressed by regional government. Lead contamination from paints and petrol has now stopped.
Current management
Regional councils are aware of the issue and regulate and monitor the disposal of all urban and rural wastewater.
Future management
Continuation of current management.
Documents / links
"A review of land-based effects on coastal fisheries and supporting biodiversity in New Zealand"; NIWA. NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No ? 2009
