Description: Objective Reference - zA304706Thirty-three permanent monitoring plots were established in Tauranga Harbour and 17 were established in Whakatāne Harbour at locations identified in Fitzgerald et al.(2019) based on vegetation and habitat mapping completed by Wildland Consultants 2013 and Beadel et al. 1992. Whakatāne Harbour plots were surveyed between 2 and 25 June 2020, Tauranga Harbour plots were surveyed between 8 and 29 June 2020 with the exception of one plot (Plot TAU10) which was surveyed on 19 March 2020. The location of all plots monitored is provided in Table 1 and 2. Each plot was 5 5 metres and marked with either metal poles (c.10 millimetres diameter, 2 metrelength - tops bent over) wooden posts (c.40 millimetres diameter, c.445 millimetreslength).Back-up plots were identified by Fitzgerald et al. (2019), these were utilised when the original plot was either inaccessible, no permission was provided, or the plot was dominated by exotic pest plant species (such as pampas (Cortaderia selloana) at plots WHK 2 and 4). Replacement plots were chosen based on similar vegetation structure, relative proximity to the original plot, and accessibility. There were relatively fewer back-up plots for Tauranga Harbour, therefore the replacement plots used were not in the same wetland as the original plots, and were chosen based on similar vegetation structure and accessibility. As per the client’s request back-up plots were not established for Te Hopai Island (Plots TAU2, 3, 4, and 6) and Opureora plots (Plot TAU15) for which access was denied.Within each plot the following measurements were undertaken: A five minute bird count as per Hartley (2012). Birds were recorded to a maximum of 100 metres from the observer. In most instances, records were added to ebird (www.ebird.org). At least two photographs were taken as per Clarkson et al. (2004). An additional two photographs were taken at the majority of plots to provide a better visual representation of the plot. These were of the south west corner facing northeastern and of the northern edge of the plot. Two soil samples were collected (using a 5 cm diameter and 7.5 cm deep corer) from just outside the south-western corner (to reduce damage to the plot) following the methods of Clarkson et al. (2004). These were analysed by Hill Laboratories for water content, bulk density, pH, conductivity, total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Foliage samples (five grams of foliage, from the tips of vegetation) werecollected for a common species in each plot. These were analysed by Hill Laboratories for total carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous content. Vegetation monitoring followed the methods of Clarkson et al. (2004):- All vascular plant species were identified and recorded. Usnea and other lichens and epiphytes were recorded to the lowest possible taxonomic level.- The percentage cover for each canopy species within the plot regardless of whether rooted in the plot or not was estimated.- The percentage cover of each species in the remaining vegetation layers was estimated. - Any species in the vicinity that were growing in the same vegetation type and were not encountered in the plot were listed. - The maximum and average height of each species in the plot was recorded. Vegetation-based plot indicator scores and condition index as per Clarkson et al.(2004) were calculated. The following physical parameters were measured in each plot from the southwestern (origin) corner:- Redox (ORP) measurements, taken at 5 cm and 15 cm depths with a YSI dissolved oxygen meter (in tidal environments the water table was often too low to measure Redox). - The water table depth was measured (if <30 cm). Note that in tidal environments this only represented the lower tide conditions.- Water temperature, pH, and conductivity. - In 2020-21 a total of 57 additional permanent monitoring plots were established in the 2021 monitoring round, across the following locations: Maketū Estuary (6), Waihī Estuary (10), Ōhiwa Harbour (18), Waiōtahe Estuary (13), and Ōpōtiki Estuary (10).- In 2021-22 a total of 31 additional permanent monitoring plots were established in the 2022 monitoring round across the following locations: Waihī Estuary (11 plots), Ōhiwa Estuary (14 plots), Waiōtahe Estuary (4 plots), and Tauranga Estuary (2 plots).