Invasive species

A NIWA-led programme to develop effective, and culturally-attuned strategies for managing the freshwater gold clam.

Introduced pests and diseases can harm the health of Aotearoa New Zealand's marine ecosystems, our seafood industry, and the social and cultural benefits that we derive from the sea.

Could bubbles and strobe lights stop pest fish swimming where they’re not wanted?

Learn more about gold clam life cycle

The invasive gold clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe. In New Zealand it was first discovered in the Waikato River in May 2023 at Bob's Landing, within Lake Karāpiro. It has been declared an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act.

NIWA and partners launch critical research to stop an invasive clam threatening New Zealand's freshwater ecosystem.

Research aim: Developing a suite of control tools

Research aim: Developing predictive models

Research aim: Understanding clam impacts

Learn more about the freshwater gold clam

Find out more about the MBIE project

NIWA has been awarded $10.2m to investigate an invasive clam that was only recently discovered in New Zealand waters.