Freshwater

A short-lived, strikingly stunning native mayfly known to fly-fishers and aquatic admirers yet seldom seen by the public may have its time in the spotlight this month as a nominee for the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year.

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.

A tool to select aquatic plant species that will support restoration of degraded freshwater.

Research projects carried out under the Future Coasts programme

NIWA is using biodegradable “life rafts” to reintroduce native plants to degraded lakes. 

See reports produced to guide potential adaptation strategies in the Lower Waikato region.

Scientists find link between temperature and carbon storage rates

Research aim: Developing a suite of control tools

Research aim: Understanding clam impacts

Learn more about the invasive freshwater gold clam

Find out more about the MBIE project

Maintaining good water quality is important for healthy ecosystems and healthy humans. NIWA are experts in providing and servicing the water quality monitoring equipment you need to effectively monitor water quality in lakes, streams, coastal waters and estuaries.