Atmospheric analysis

One of the greatest threats to indigenous fish species which follow a catadromous life cycle (i.e., starting life at sea but then migrating into freshwater) are barriers that prevent or delay migrations between freshwater and marine environments.

Since European settlement there have been many changes in land use in New Zealand, with large forested areas having been cleared for human habitation and agriculture.

Freshwater eel populations around the world are in steep decline.

New Zealand longfins are one of the largest eel species in the world, and have been recorded at sizes of almost 2 m in length and more than 50 kg in weight.

Freshwater eels have an unusual life cycle which sees them travelling between the ocean, estuaries and freshwaters.

We need information on the food web structures of our marine ecosystems in order to manage the effects on the ecosystem of fishing, aquaculture and mining, as well as understanding the potential impacts of climate variability and change on our oceans. 

NIWA scientists have worked for many years on Antarctic atmospheric processes and aquatic ecosystems.