Innovative Approach to Monitoring Hutt River Toxic Algae

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and Victoria University are teaming up to trial the use of aerial imagery taken from a small unmanned plane to monitor the amount of toxic algae in the Hutt River this summer. Toxic algae, or cyanobacteria as its scientifically known, has been linked with 11 dog deaths in the river since 2005.

The trial will involve flying the plane (known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV) over three sites in the Hutt River and analysing the images taken to see whether toxic algae coverage in the river can be accurately estimated. “If successful this method could be used to complement our weekly measurements of toxic algae cover we collect at swimming spots in the Hutt River over the summer months” says Summer Greenfield, GWRC Senior Environmental Scientist.

This work will add to eight years of toxic algae research in the Hutt catchment, which will be discussed in a series of public science seminars jointly organised by GWRC, Upper Hutt Council, Hutt City Council and Regional Public Health. “We’ve come a long way in our understanding of the toxic algae that have plagued the Hutt River in recent years and we’d like to share what we’ve learnt with users of the Hutt River” Mrs Greenfield says. Scientists from GWRC, Cawthron, Victoria University and GNS Science will share their collective current understanding of what causes toxic algae blooms and how people can keep themselves and their dogs safe.

Three seminars are being held; Mangaroa School on Sunday 17 November, The Dowse Tuesday 19 November and Upper Hutt City Library on Wednesday 20 November.

For more information on the seminars or toxic algae, check out www.gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae

or call GWRC on 496 734