SunLive – Digger spotted on BoP seabed after 15 years

Hydrographic survey of the Bay of Plenty seabed has revealed a surprising discovery.

Experts from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (Linz) have identified a large digger believed to have fallen off a barge while traveling between Maketu and Motiti Island more than 15 years ago. Read more Here.

The discovery was made by Discovery Marine Ltd, the contractor who carried out the survey in the area.

The 4-meter-high digger stands upright in 12 meters of water, and the top of the digger is 8 meters below the surface.

A spokesman for Linz said high-resolution images captured by the research team showed that the digger had not been disturbed for more than a decade.

“It’s great to see it in such detail after all this time.”

This discovery is part of a larger, ongoing hydrographic survey aimed at updating nautical charts and improving the safety of mariners navigating the waters of the Bay of Plenty.

The survey is being conducted to capture a wide range of underwater features, including shipwrecks, rocks and other natural formations that may pose a hazard to navigation.

The research vessel MV Tranquil Image is conducting seabed surveys. Photo/Discovery Marine Ltd.

Linz officials said that although the digger poses no immediate risk, its discovery highlights the importance of examining the seafloor to ensure maps remain current and accurate.

The survey started in early November and will continue until 2025. Using advanced multi-beam sounding technology, the research vessel MV Calm Image It collects data by scanning the seafloor to create detailed 3D images.

These images will then be used to update New Zealand nautical charts, which are vital to the safe navigation of commercial vessels, recreational boaters and other marine vessels.

“This work is necessary to ensure the safety of mariners navigating these waters, whether local fishermen or large shipping vessels,” said Annette Wilkinson, senior hydrographic surveyor in Linz.

“We also capture valuable data that can be used for scientific research such as tsunami modeling and marine resource management.”

Image of the digger mapping the Bay of Plenty seabed. Image/ LINZ/Discovery Marine Ltd.

In addition to the digger, the investigation is also investigating numerous shipwrecks and other potential threats to navigation.

The data will help create a clearer picture of the underwater environment and enable ships to take safer routes when approaching ports and docks in the Bay of Plenty.

As part of this project, Linz is also collecting data on the shape of the seafloor, which could be important for a variety of scientific studies, including understanding how coastlines and marine ecosystems may respond to natural events such as tsunamis.

Second research ship, tupaiaIt will map the shallow waters off Ōpōtiki in early 2025.

The research work is being carried out in two phases: the first focuses on offshore areas around Tauranga and Whakatāne, and the second focuses on shallow waters near the coast.

After processing, the data obtained from the survey will be made public through the Linz Data Service.

This will allow not only mariners to access updated charts, but also researchers, planners and conservationists to use the data for a variety of environmental and scientific purposes.

The research also fills important data gaps and helps improve the resolution of existing nautical charts; This is especially useful for areas with heavy maritime traffic.

“The more accurate and up-to-date maps are, the more sailors can navigate safely and avoid underwater hazards,” Wilkinson said.

Map showing the digger’s location in the Bay of Plenty. Image/LINZ.

Data collected from this research will also support the development of tools to manage New Zealand’s marine resources and improve our understanding of the seabed. These 3D models will be particularly useful in marine conservation by providing a more detailed understanding of habitats and underwater features that may be important to marine life.

Linz also encouraged the public to keep an eye out for research vessels operating in the Bay of Plenty throughout the summer.

The spokesman said, “If you see the research boats on the water, wave to them,” and emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and supporting research studies.

Research vessel MV Tranquil Image arrives at Whakatāne Harbour. Photo/Annette Wilkinson/LINZ.

Updated marine charts based on this ongoing work will eventually be made available free of charge through the New Zealand Electronic Navigation Chart (NZENC) Service, further improving the safety and efficiency of marine navigation across the country.

To find out more about the hydrographic survey work being carried out in the Bay of Plenty and its role in supporting safer shipping, visit: LINZ.