Numerical Modelling of Otago Harbour

Future port developments in Otago Harbour including capital dredging could generate berthing and mooring problems within the harbour especially as there is a trend towards larger and deeper draught ships. In addition, with the widespread belief that the sea level is rising, coastal erosion and stormwater discharge problems within the harbour may be exacerbated. A two dimensional numerical model of the entire harbour has been constructed and simulations performed to examine the effects on the tidal regime brought about by port developments and climatic changes. The model has been set up using detailed bathymetric survey charts of the harbour and has been calibrated and verified using information obtained from an intensive field data collection programme conducted for the study. As a result of this study the harbour-wide effects of changes to the tidal regime have been quantified and sensible and informed decisions regarding the future planning of the harbour can be made.