Freshwater

Understanding and supporting the migration of fish through New Zealand's freshwater habitats

A team of NIWA freshwater ecologists are researching the use of biodegradable plant mats to help reintroduce native aquatic plants to degraded freshwater lakes in Aotearoa-New Zealand.

NIWA is developing a national river flow forecasting tool for New Zealand that aims to support and strengthen our planning for and response to extreme rainfall events.

We offer a range of ecological monitoring tools.

This project aims to increase our knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and their restoration, and apply this to degraded streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries.

Investigating the effectiveness of an acoustic bubble-screen in minimising the movement of pest fish

Developing the monitoring and evaluation approaches that respond to the hauanga kai aspirations of Ngaati Mahuta

Constructed wetlands a natural solution to reduce agricultural pollution.

NIWA scientists have mapped the whole of Lake Wānaka in incredible detail.  

Developing a snowmelt forecast system to enable more accurate and confident forecasts of river flow and alpine hazards.

A team of NIWA scientific divers have successfully searched for a freshwater freak of nature in Otago’s alpine lakes.

NIWA measurement, research and tools support strategies being used to reverse the degradation of freshwaters and restore ecosystems throughout New Zealand.