Coasts

A summary of the LakeSPI method.

LakeSPI delivers information that is directly applicable to lake-ecosystem conservation and management.

LakeSPI can be used in many ways depending on what the interests or management needs are for a lake.

LakeSPI (Lake Submerged Plant Indicators) is based on the principle that New Zealand lakes can be characterised by the composition of native and invasive plants growing in them, and the depths to which these plants grow.

Mangrove forests, which are important parts of estuarine ecosystems in a number of ways, are sensitive to changing sea level.

DTIS is a camera system designed and built by NIWA staff, which is used to take pictures and video of deep sea biodiversity and seafloor habitats at depths of up to 6km.

Deep (10s of metres), narrow, elongated basins which are largely subtidal - the estuary bed is still below water at low tide.