Emergency Action to Save Waituna Lagoon from Ecological Disaster

Environment Southland has decided to take urgent steps to protect Waituna Lagoon, an ecologically important area, from severe environmental damage. They plan to use emergency powers under the Resource Management Act to mechanically connect the lagoon to the ocean. This move is crucial to address a dangerous algal bloom, which poses a significant ecological threat.

Last month, scientists observed a toxic algal bloom in the lagoon. This bloom is fueled by excessive nutrients in the water and has reached levels higher than ever recorded before. To tackle this issue, Environment Southland’s Science Division, the Waituna Lagoon Science Advisory Group, and independent experts have all agreed that urgent action is necessary. They believe that if the lagoon remains closed off from the ocean, the environmental impact will worsen.

The decision to open the lagoon follows consultations with mana whenua (local indigenous groups), the Department of Conservation, and a thorough assessment of environmental and health and safety risks. Paul Hulse, Environment Southland’s General Manager of Integrated Catchment Management, explained that despite no current consent for opening the lagoon, emergency measures are justified under Section 330 of the Resource Management Act. This section allows for immediate action in response to sudden environmental threats.

The process of opening the lagoon will involve heavy machinery, and the public is advised to stay away from the work area for safety reasons. Hulse acknowledged some uncertainty about the effectiveness of this action but emphasized its necessity to protect the lagoon, which is a habitat for diverse wildlife and holds international significance.

Waituna Lagoon, closed to the sea since March 2021, benefits ecologically from periodic openings. These openings help flush out nutrients and maintain the lagoon’s health. Recognized as a “wetland of international significance” under the Ramsar Convention, the lagoon is vital for birds, fish, eels, unique plant species, and is a popular recreational spot.