Honga River (HNGMH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment HNGMH increased to 2,001.84 ha, 75% more than in 2000 (1,141.77 ha), and continuing the three-year increase in HNGMH. This segment accounted for 11% of SAV for the Middle Bay Zone and 6.3% of the Bay total. The Tier I goal (1,599.11 ha) was met for HNGMH for the first time since 1993, the only other time the goal was met since the inception of the aerial survey in 1978.

SAV increased notably on the western shore of the Honga River from above House Point (Map 063), to below Dicks Point (Map 073). New SAV beds were mapped to the north of House Point (Map 063) and in Pot Island Creek (Map 073). SAV also expanded along the western shore in Pot Island Creek and below Pot Island Creek (Map 073); off Gunners Island (Map 073); in Back Creek (Map 073); in Long, Flowers, Cat, Bentley, Flag, Hickory, Muddy Hook, and Hopkins coves (Maps 073, 083); and at Smoke, Ferry, Bentley, and Dicks points (Map 073). There were no notable areas of SAV decrease on the western shore of the Honga River.

On the eastern shore of HNGMH, new SAV beds were mapped in Wallace Creek, and one small, new SAV bed was mapped off Wheatley Point (Maps 063; 073). SAV also expanded above Keenes Point (Maps 063, 073); in Worlds End and Charles creeks (Map 073); around Wroten Island (Map 073); in Lakes, Windmill, and Paul coves (Map 073); at Cedar and Windmill points (Map 073); in Fox Creek (Maps 073, 074); in Windgate, Hearns, Fallins, and Norman coves (Map 074); and at Kerwin and Duck points (Map 074). SAV declined on the eastern shore to the south of Wallace Creek (Map 073); in a small portion of Lakes Cove (Map 073); in the cove to the west of Insley Cove (Map 074); above Wingate Cove (Map 074); between Hearns and Fallins coves (Map 074); and in Norman and Hopkins coves (Maps 074, 083).