NIWA monitoring buoy in Lake Taupo under threat of removal due to funding issues

TAUPO TIMES ARTICLE – Chris Marshall Sep 03 2020 https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122599385/science-will-suffer-if-funder-not-found-says-lake-group

To assist with the water quality monitoring in Lake Taupo, NIWA installed a buoy monitoring station at the deepest site on the lake (150 m bottom depth). The station provides continuous real time data, with measurements every minute, which are sent (telemetered) to the NIWA office with formatted versions supplied to Waikato Regional Council, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, and the Department of Internal Affairs.

Data from the buoy includes measurements of water temperature at 21 different depths, dissolved oxygen at several depths and chlorophyll fluorescence.  The continuous data flow provided by the buoy station is an important improvement to the routine monitoring in the Taupo Monitoring program carried out once every three weeks by NIWA for the Waikato Regional Council. 

Meteorological sensors installed on a mast on top of the buoy record wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, solar and longwave radiation and rainfall.  This real time weather data is of interest to fishermen, and the location of the thermocline in the lake informs them where fishing may be most successful.

The data collected to date has been internationally recognised in science papers relating to large lake dynamics. Dr Verburg highly recommends continued long-term monitoring for Lake Taupo where warmer temperatures due to climate change could adversely affect the ability of the Lake to mix. This has the potential flow-on effect of increased algal growth.

Lakes and Waterways strongly advocate interested parties participate in discussions planned between NIWA and the Waikato Regional Council on the future funding options for the monitoring station.

Dr Verburg can be contacted at NIWA 0800 746 464