Invasive species

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

NIWA has been awarded $10.2m to investigate an invasive clam that was only recently discovered in New Zealand waters.