Ocean atlas the first in the world

Users will be able to control their view of multiple layers of information on a digital map. Photo / Supplied

In a world first, NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) has designed an ocean 'atlas' to gather information about climate change.

The technology maps out New Zealand's marine resources and issues related to climate change, and shows how plants and animals in the area may respond to future changes in our waters.

It will also show what is needed to reduce uncertainties about the future of marine life, said spokesman Dr Philip Boyd

"We can construct a wide range of simple and insightful scenarios to address a wide range of topics - it's like a toolkit," he said.

Users will be able to control their view of multiple layers of information on a digital map and to view the information based on different time periods to understand how the environment will change.

The value of marine resources harvested within New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone is estimated to be more than $4 billion a year and supports more than 10,000 jobs, according to Niwa.

One effect of changes in ocean conditions was on some fish species and could impact on growth, mortality, distribution or spawning success.

Productivity of microscopic plants, which form productive blooms of over thousands of square kilometres, may be reduced by waters warming and the rise in CO2," said Dr Boyd.

The atlas is designed to provide information on projected changes in climate that can be used to help determine fluctuations in fish stocks over time.