This Niwa map shows the sea surface temperature in the Tasman Sea and around New Zealand is between 2degC and more than 6degC above the November average. High water temperatures could trigger a massive toxic algal bloom in Otago Harbour, decimating aquatic life, a marine ecologist has warned. "Really warm, abnormally warm summers is where you look for these kinds of events happening. Prof Wing said another downside of the warmer surface temperatures was that they could intensify stratification within the surrounding ocean. He said it was a sign the warm temperatures we have been getting, could continue until February.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 04, 2017 18:11 UTC