Freshwater

A high proportion of New Zealand’s native freshwater fish fauna need to migrate to and from the sea.

Kōaro are excellent climbers and like clear, swiftly flowing, forested streams.

Once eels become migrants (also known as tuna heke or tuna whakaheke) they stop feeding, and progressively develop the external features that clearly distinguish them from 'feeders'.

A habitat is an environment or place where animals normally live.

There are two species of kōura or freshwater crayfish in Aotearoa.

A hot and steamy summer saw Kiwis heading down to rivers and lakes to cool off. But they weren’t the only ones enjoying the warmer weather – algae had a great time too.

What are the potential sources of sediments from land use activities?

Estuaries are at the bottom of the freshwater drainage network and, effectively, are a part of it. This means that every time we act to protect and enhance streams and rivers we are also benefiting the estuary at the downstream end.

Here are some simple steps to minimise the effects of dairying on water quality and mahinga kai.

All species of freshwater tuna spawn at sea, although the spawning grounds of only four species are known with certainty worldwide.

Once in freshwater, glass eels develop into darker pigmented juvenile eels known as elvers.