Lakes

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.

In this update we report on research activities over the last three months in the field, the lab and the development of a new resource. 

NIWA hosted a visiting scientist, Dr Cao, from the Wuhan Botanic Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences over January and February 2025.

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.

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.

NIWA scientists have launched a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming mapping of freshwater environments.

Could bubbles and strobe lights stop pest fish swimming where they’re not wanted?

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