Atmospheric analysis

Finding and collating information that already may exist for the lake, river or stream you are interested in, choosing the right sampling methods, and making sure that the data you work hard to collect is stored safely are all important things to consider in your monitoring programme.

There are a range of different sampling methods which can be used, including electric fishing, fyke nets, Gee-Minnow traps, scoop nets, whitebait nets and observation.

Site selection and timing are important factors to consider when designing a representative sampling strategy .

Defining your research questions is the first place to start when designing a survey.

In this section, we look at defining your research questions, site selection and timing, sampling methods, and considerations for data collection.

Since NIWA was established as a Crown Research Institute in 1992, the organisation has been fortunate to receive funding to undertake research that continues to increase our understanding of a fascinating and incredibly important taonga freshwater fish.

Shortfin and longfin eels are an important resource from both a human/cultural use and biodiversity perspective.

Worldwide production of eels is estimated to be worth over $US 1 billion annually, with 233,589 tonnes of eel produced each year.

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.

Much of the habitat that was formerly available to eels has been lost through practices like the wetland drainage and river channelling.

Freshwater eel populations around the world are in steep decline.