The ‘Healthy Harbour’ watch programme sees a group of students from several Dunedin schools monitoring the Otago Harbour and analysing samples collected from it. 

The whole purpose of Harbour Watch is to analyse water samples to allow one to come up with conclusions and observe any changes over time of the water quality. By doing this, awareness regarding the condition of the harbour can be spread, whether it is encouraging people to avoid littering to ensuring that no harmful substances are washed into the harbour.

The Columba College Harbour Watch group is made up of Rose Abdul Aziz, Tayna Barnes, Sophie Cooper, Regan Death, Ngaio Macleod, Jessica Scott and Morgan Seal. The group’s site is situated in the Macandrew Bay area. Braving through freezing, cold, water temperatures and chilly Dunedin weather, the group makes measurements of conductivity, salinity, temperature and oxygen content using digital equipment. Water is also collected to be analysed in the Chemistry Labs in the University of Otago, and weather and location features are observed and recorded.

The girls then carry out lab work using the water samples they collected. This gives the girls the ability to learn more lab skills such as filtration and colorimetry, as well as apply and develop the ones they already know from class.

All in all, Harbour Watch is a very intriguing and fun program to be a part of. The girls meet at least once every month (usually a Saturday) and are able to try out something new that they may not have the opportunity to do in class, as well as learn more about, and gain more appreciation for the Otago Harbour.