Bay of Bolluk: Digger that fell into the sea was revealed in seafloor research

“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.

Linz officials said the digger may not pose an immediate risk, but its discovery underscores 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.”

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.

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 for marine life, Linz said.

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.

Updated nautical charts will eventually be available free of charge via the New Zealand Electronic Navigation Chart (NZENC) Service.

– SunLive