IN BRIEF Sizing up our climate risks NIWA is partnering with the international infrastructure consultancy AECOM, and others, to help the Government understand the full impacts of climate change for New Zealand. The partnership will deliver the country’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment later this year. NIWA’s researchers are engaged across the project which will provide a baseline overview of how New Zealand’s natural, financial and infrastructure assets may be affected by our future climate.
Rob Robbins
Rebekah Parsons-King
The final report will help the Government to prioritise actions under the upcoming National Climate Adaptation Plan.
Tsunami buoys on watch NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa has successfully deployed four new tsunami detection buoys off the east coast of the North Island. The buoys are the first instalment of what will be a 15-strong network to provide New Zealand with early warning of potential tsunami generated from the Kermadec and Hikurangi trenches. The DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami) network will stretch along the east coast of the North Island up through the Kermadec Trench and across towards New Caledonia. Dave Allen
The network is part of a government emergency response programme overseen by the new National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). NIWA is working with NEMA and GNS Science to deploy and commission the ocean-based network.
Caught on camera Scientists have achieved a world-first by collecting and photographing the embryos of Antarctic toothfish. Adult toothfish grow up to 2m long and the embryo breakthrough came aboard the Talley’s owned vessel Janas, carrying researchers on a six-week voyage to study toothfish ecology in the Ross Sea. Initial results suggest spawning likely occurs in August. Eggs appear to catch currents heading eastwards towards the sea ice which may act as a nursery. These observations shed fresh light on the life cycle of the fish and will help inform management of the Ross Sea fishery.
Tiny toothfish embryos can grow into adult fish, up to 2m long. (Steve Parker) www.niwa.co.nz
The survey was co-designed by NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Antarctic Working Group. Water & Atmosphere
February 2020
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