The
Marine Environment Classification (MEC), a GIS-based environmental
classification of the marine environment of the New Zealand region, is
an ecosystem-based spatial framework designed for marine management
purposes. Developed by NIWA with support from the Ministry for the Environment
(MfE), Department of Conservation and Ministry of Fisheries, and with
contributions from several other stakeholders, the MEC provides a
spatial framework for inventories of marine resources, environmental
effects assessments, policy development and design of protected area
networks. Two levels of spatial resolution are available within the MEC. A
broad scale classification covers the entire EEZ at a nominal spatial
resolution of 1 km, whereas the finer scale classification of the
Hauraki Gulf region has a nominal spatial resolution of 200 m.
Several spatially-explicit data layers describing the physical
environment define the MEC. A physically-based classification was chosen
because data on these physical variables were available or could be
modelled, and because the pattern of the physical environment is a
reasonable surrogate for biological pattern, particularly at larger
spatial scales. Classes within the classification were defined using
multivariate clustering methods. These produce hierarchal
classifications that enable the user to delineate environmental
variation at different levels of detail and associated spatial scales.
Large biological datasets were used to tune the classification, so
that the physically-based classes maximised discrimination of variation
in biological composition at various levels of classification detail.
Thus, the MEC provides a general classification that is relevant to most
groups of marine organisms (fishes, invertebrates and chlorophyll) and
to ecologically important abiotic variables (e.g., temperature,
nutrients).An overview report describing the MEC
is available as a PDF file (External Link). The overview report covers the conceptual
basis for the MEC and results of testing the classification:
MEC Overview (PDF 2.7 MB)See here for a longer description: https://www.niwa.co.nz/coasts-and-oceans/our-services/marine-environment-classification
