Navigation Safety Warning - Coastal Waters

Slips and flooding through most catchments in Tasman District have resulted in significant quantities of debris heading downstream, including some large logs and potentially animal carcasses and structures such as fences, that would not normally be in the river flow.

Please be aware that some of this debris will continue to enter Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, and the west coast, over the next few days. Additionally, recent high tides have mobilised pilot whale carcasses from Farewell Spit. These could be encountered floating anywhere in the waters of the district, with one already having drifted into Mapua.

With tides heading toward a minor neap it is expected that much of this material will wash ashore during the week ahead, but is likely to re-mobilise with tides rising towards springs again around Christmas. Any whale carcasses that wash ashore should be reported to the Dept of Conservation on 0800 362468 (0800 DOCHOT).

Users of high-speed small craft in particular are cautioned against navigating at night, and it is recommended that a particularly sharp watch for semi-submerged logs, animal carcasses and other flotsam be kept on all vessels in the area over the next two weeks.

Owners of coastal structures such as jetties and moorings, particularly those subject to fluctuating water levels due to rainfall, are advised to check for accumulating debris and adequacy and security of ground tackle and warps. Loose equipment and vessels in low-lying foreshore areas should be secured to prevent wash-away.