Freshwater quality

Effective systems to manage contaminant losses

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

Aleki Taumoepeau is an Aquatic Biology Technician specialising in freshwater biosecurity and aquatic plant ecology.

Endothall (Endothall dipotassium) is a herbicide (chemical) that has been registered for the control of freshwater submerged (underwater) weeds in New Zealand.

Earth Sciences New Zealand researchers are studying the optimal growing conditions of aquatic plants to help restore degraded lakes. 

A team of NIWA freshwater ecologists have completed their research on the use of biodegradable plant mats as life rafts to help reintroduce native aquatic plants to degraded freshwater lakes.

Learn more about gold clam life cycle

NIWA scientists are gathering data on freshwater mitigation across NZ to improve predictive models.

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.

A tool to support decision-making on the suitability of RotoTurf for your waterbody

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.

A tool to select aquatic plant species that will support restoration of degraded freshwater.