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Freshwater Ecological monitoring
We offer a range of ecological monitoring tools. -
Restoration of aquatic ecosystems
Research ProjectThis project aims to increase our knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and their restoration, and apply this to degraded streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries. -
Extreme Lakeover: NIWA’s Guide to Rolling Back Life into New Zealand Lake
Publication article26 March 2025A 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. -
New Technology Enhances River Digital Networks for Improved Water Management
Publication article21 March 2025NIWA scientists have launched a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming mapping of freshwater environments. -
Innovative Methods in Tackling Pest Fish: The Power of Sound and Light
Publication article20 March 2025Could bubbles and strobe lights stop pest fish swimming where they’re not wanted? -
Race Against Time: Tackling the Invasive Gold Clam
Publication article28 February 2025NIWA and partners launch critical research to stop an invasive clam threatening New Zealand's freshwater ecosystem. -
Staff Profile Clare Wilkinson
Publication article24 February 2025Introducing NIWA sediment transport scientist Clare Wilkinson. -
RotoTurf: Aquatic plant ‘life rafts’ in degraded lakes
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 Water Quality Laboratory
FacilitySpecialists in the chemical analysis of rivers, lakes, oceans and streams -
Lake Wānaka mapped in exquisite detail
Media release16 May 2024NIWA scientists have mapped the whole of Lake Wānaka in incredible detail. -
Hunting for freshwater ‘freak of nature’ in Otago
Media release18 April 2024A team of NIWA scientific divers have successfully searched for a freshwater freak of nature in Otago’s alpine lakes. -
Bottom lining for the control of submerged lake weeds
Bottom lining is the installation of a flexible covering over the top of beds of aquatic weeds, similar to using weed matting in home gardens. The lining is held in place by weights (e.g., rocks or sandbags) or by pinning. This control method is also called ‘benthic barriers’.