URBAN ECOLOGY

MOSQUITOES IN STORMWATER SUMPS
Service Areas: Urban Ecology, Applied Research, Aquatic Sample Processing

Roadside stormwater sumps not only trap sediment but can be a potential haven in otherwise unsuitable areas for mosquito larvae. The team at EOS Ecology developed a unique sampling methodology to assess the suitability of these sumps as mosquito habitats and to determine population densities within Christchurch.

Sampling over 800 sumps across five Christchurch suburbs, the EOS team processed samples to count and identify mosquito larvae species with the potential to carry diseases to birds or humans. The data collected from this study will allow us to determine how important roadside sumps are as habitats for mosquitoes, pinpoint breeding hotspots, and determine what makes a sump so attractive to them.

DRAIN DISCHARGES INTO THE AVON-HEATHCOTE ESTUARY/IHUTAI
Service Areas: Urban Ecology, Ecosystem Health Assessment, Aquatic Sample Processing

Interested in the impacts of drain discharges on the ecology of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai, Environment Canterbury commissioned EOS Ecology to assess any effects on the benthic estuary environment.

The EOS team sampled surface sediment contamination and nutrient levels, determined the composition of epifauna and infauna invertebrates, and studied size distribution of Mahinga Kai species adjacent to three main drain discharges. Analysis and reporting focused on elucidating the key attributes responsible for changes in the invertebrate community between these sites.