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Climate, Freshwater & Ocean Science

NIWA

Research finds microplastics in fish muscle tissue

18 March 2021
Some of the first research into how microplastics are affecting New Zealand fish species has revealed that microplastic fragments can find their way through the gut lining and into muscle tissue.
Fish
Pollution
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Scientists watching lake on South Island glacier survey

10 March 2021
Scientists undertaking the annual glacier snowline survey over the South Island later this month are keeping a watchful eye on a lake that has been forming and disappearing at the junction of the Tasman and Hochstetter glaciers.
Climate
Climate change
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Seabirds spend nearly 40% of their time on high seas, study finds

4 March 2021
A global effort by seabird researchers, including those from NIWA, has resulted in the first assessment of where the world’s most threatened seabirds spend their time.
Coasts
Oceans
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19 February 2021
Media Release

Ancient kauri trees reveal a turning point in Earth’s history 42,000 years ago

A new international study using ancient swamp kauri from Northland shows a temporary breakdown of Earth’s magnetic field 42,000 years ago sparked major climate shifts leading to global environmental change and mass extinctions.
3 February 2021
Media Release

Oceanic shark numbers decline amid research gaps

A lack of information about New Zealand oceanic shark populations is making it difficult to assess how well they are doing, says a NIWA researcher.
8 January 2021
Media Release

NIWA heads to Antarctica for critical climate, ocean research

NIWA’s flagship research vessel Tangaroa leaves soon on a six-week voyage to Antarctica, making it one of the few full scientific expeditions to the continent since the global outbreak of COVID-19.
21 December 2020
Media Release

Wet, warm, cold, dry – the holidays with a bit of everything

In a year that has brought us a bit of everything weather-wise, we’re happy to report that Aotearoa will be on Mother Nature’s good side this holiday period — mostly.
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Ross Sea life in a changing climate

A multidisciplinary group of researchers onboard RV Tangaroa have spent 5 weeks studying Antarctic ocean, atmosphere and ecosystem processes with a focus on monitoring the effectiveness of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area.

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Features

Examining biodiversity and ocean dynamics in the world’s largest marine protected area

16 February 2021

Researchers are working their way through a wealth of new Antarctic marine data after RV Tangaroa successfully completed its five week scientific voyage to the Ross Sea. Voyage leader and principal fisheries scientist Dr Richard O’Driscoll outlines the team’s busy research schedule examining biodiversity and ocean dynamics in the world’s largest marine protected area.

Check out more stories from the 2021 Antarctic voyage

There’s snow business in the mountains

There’s snow business in the mountains

20 January 2021
On a still and sunny December day when most Kiwis were looking longingly towards the beach, two NIWA researchers staff had their eyes firmly on the Southern Alps.

Keeping tabs on muddy waters

Keeping tabs on muddy waters

11 February 2021
Estuaries provide a crucial link between our rivers and our seas. Sam Fraser-Baxter heads out with a NIWA research team keeping a close eye on these vulnerable transition zones.

From sky to server

From sky to server

11 February 2021
A few drops of rain can go a long way. Campbell Gardiner explains.