A web-based taxonomic resource tool has been developed to improve the accuracy and consistency in soft sediment estuarine and coastal benthic intertidal and shallow subtidal macroinvertebrate identification across New Zealand.
What’s in the tool?
The seven keys and species data sheets currently available in the tool include:
- Amphipoda - 40 species
- Crabs and crab-like crustaceans - 26 species
- Cumacean families and selected species - 4 species, 8 families
- Isopoda - 24 species
- Shrimp and lobster-like crustaceans - 17 species
- Annelida - 84 species, 20 families/subfamilies
- Mollusca - 75 species
Species information sheets are provided for each species with taxonomic and ecological information and will be updated over time as information becomes available.
How to get a log-in?
New users are invited to self-register for a public or regional council service provider access account at the link provided above.
The C-SIG Species key tool was developed by Earth Sciences New Zealand (under one of its former institution’s, NIWA) in collaboration with Atlas Meanwhile Ltd. The population of the tool with taxonomic and ecological data, images, and maps, and building of the keys was funded from an MBIE funded Envirolink Tool project in 2021 and updated with funding from an Envirolink Advice Grant in 2026-2027.
The project team developing the taxonomic keys included:
- Expert taxonomists from Earth Sciences NZ and Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum of New Zealand),
- parataxonomists and marine ecologists from Earth Sciences NZ and MacLean Marine Identifiers Ltd., along with regional council champions from Greater Wellington, Environment Canterbury, Environment Southland, Waikato,Northland and Nelson City Council,
- Regional council staff, taxonomists and parataxonomy providers at Cawthron Institute, NIWA, MacLean Marine Identifiers, EOS ecology, Coastal Marine Ecology Consultants, SLR Consulting, Salt Ecology, Boffa Miskell, and Biolive Invertebrate Identification Service provided valued feedback and data during tool development.
- Ongoing support for the tool is currently funded by the Regional Sector Holdings (RSHL) fund, which all Regional Councils contribute to.
The collection of on-line keys, images and identification resources are now available via the C-SIG Species Key here. Video Tutorials:
Species Key: Tutorial - Species info
Species Key: Tutorial - Basic functions and key use
Species Key: Tutorial - Species Global Search
Any questions? please contact [email protected]
