Testing the waters

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) vessels Takutai (left) and Icarus test the waters of Otago Harbour, viewed from near the Otago Yacht Club yesterday.

Niwa marine ecologist Chris Woods said yesterday staff were completing a week-long biodiversity survey for the Ministry for Primary Industries.

It undertook the surveys twice a year to test the spread and movement of invasive species. Sampling techniques included diver surveys and the use of crab traps along the harbour.