An important step in the restoration of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is currently underway.
There is key progress on a significant science project for the Whakaora Te Waihora restoration program, with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) installing a 100-meter wave barrier on the south-eastern side of the lake to enable submerged plants, known as macrophytes, to become established.
This is the first time a barrier of this type has been installed in a New Zealand lake and has been purpose-built by NIWA staff through funding from Whakaora Te Waihora.
The barrier comprises 59 New Zealand Oregon logs, each 10 meters long.
These logs are arranged three deep side-by-side, with the rest placed in a triangular pattern to brace the structure which is being anchored to the lake bed in several places. A cable runs the length of the barrier to hold it in place.
The barrier will enable the young, transplanted macrophytes to become established so they can help prevent erosion and improve water quality.
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