The ecological integrity of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems
Ecological integrity measures the health of an ecosystem by considering how native, pristine, diverse and resilient it is. This report sets out a strategy to assess trends in the ecological integrity of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. Published 2011.

Publication information

Factsheet: Coastal ecosystem monitoring - the big picture (PDF, 13,050K)

Report: A strategy to assess trends in the ecological integrity of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems (PDF, 891K)

Summary

Ecological integrity is a concept underlying the development of a cost-effective monitoring programme that can be applied to all of New Zealand’s marine habitats. The concept is explored in regards to the work already done by DOC and internationally. 

Potential monitoring variables are identified. Monitoring tools are then considered, which would link into a context that could be used to define the integrity status of an ecosystem.