Coasts

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.

Very deep (up to 100s of metres), narrow, elongated basins which are largely subtidal.

Similar in some respects to Category E estuaries, these have shallow basins and narrow mouths, usually formed by a spit or sand barrier. However, Category F estuaries have complex shorelines and numerous arms leading off a main basin.

Shallow, circular to slightly elongated basins with simple shorelines and extensive intertidal area.

Shallow, circular or slightly elongated basins with simple shorelines and wide entrances that are open to the ocean.

These occur where the mouth of a main river channel connects to shallow lagoons.