On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Otolith from 17 year old longfin eel

Much like the rings in the trunk of a tree, eels can be aged by counting the rings on their otolith or ear bone. This otolith is from a 17 year old, 318 mm long, longfin eel. Credit: Jellyman et al. (2006)