Mass stranding of molluscs at te waewae bay, Southland, New Zealand

Abstract

A stranding of shellfish on the beach at Te Waewae Bay, Southland, occurred during a period of very cold, stormy weather in September 1970. More than 20 million shellfish were stranded, the majority being Mactra discors Gray. It is suggested that the cause was a combination of Strong inshore winds and low air temperatures, coupled with an increased flow of fresh, cold water across the beach. © 1972 Taylor & Francis Ltd.