Invasive species

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Earth Science NZ researchers are seeing signs that the breeding season for the invasive freshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) has begun.

Know your invasive gold clam from your native pea clam and kaakahi/kaaeo.

Assessing depth specific distribution and relative abundance of gold clam and kākahi at Lakes Maraetai and Karaapiro.

Filter traps are being used to study the invasive gold clam in the Waikato River.

The invasive gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) can reach very high population densities, which can harm freshwater ecosystems.

Learn more about gold clam life cycle

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.

NIWA and partners launch critical research to stop an invasive clam threatening New Zealand's freshwater ecosystem.

Research aim: Understanding clam impacts

Learn more about the invasive freshwater gold clam

Find out more about the MBIE project