Invasive species

A NIWA-led programme to develop effective, and culturally-attuned strategies for managing the freshwater gold clam.

Introduced pests and diseases can harm the health of Aotearoa New Zealand's marine ecosystems, our seafood industry, and the social and cultural benefits that we derive from the sea.

Earth Science NZ researchers are seeing signs that the breeding season for the invasive freshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) has begun.

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.

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.

Research aim: Developing a suite of control tools

Research aim: Developing predictive models

Investigating the effectiveness of an acoustic bubble-screen in minimising the movement of pest fish

Reducing the risk of new freshwater invasive species, minimising the impacts of these species, and developing methods for reducing or eradicating those populations.

Aotearoa-New Zealand’s marine area covers 167,650 square kilometres presenting a staggering distribution of climates, from subtropical to subantarctic waters, to understand and manage.