A project to remove sediment from the eastern side of the marina in Roys Bay has wrapped up successfully.

The significant build-up of sediment at the site represented a navigational hazard for vessels entering, Wānaka Marina operations manager Craig Fahey said 

Craig said Wānaka Marina was a proud supporter and partner of the grebe nesting programme and they had worked closely with John Darby and Markus Hermanns on the sediment removal initiative.

A grebe nesting on one of the man-made nests near the marina in January last year. PHOTO: Markus Hermanns

A series of man-made nesting platforms installed near the sheltered marina have provided southern-breasted grebes (whose own nests are easily destroyed by changing water levels) with a safe place to breed over the past few years. 

“John and his team will reinstall nesting boxes housed on the marina…in time for the upcoming breeding season,” Craig said.

Wānaka Marina hired a contractor to complete the sediment removal project.

A gravel ramp provided access for the excavator for the sediment removal. PHOTO: Wānaka App

They began work on Monday (September 11) and completed the job by Thursday (September 14).

“It was good timing as we expect the lake to come up a lot over the next week or so with a lot of rain and snowmelt,” Craig told the Wānaka App.

Sediment control booms were used to minimise any silt spread and contain any lagarosiphon fragments.

The site on Friday after work was completed. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka Marina worked with Otago Regional Council to obtain a Certificate of Compliance for the works before engaging a contractor.

Craig said stream flows and sediment patterns had been altered as the result of neighbouring development work.