Science Centres: Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Maps showing the known distribution of particular fish species, such as giant kokopu, can be produced from the database.

We recently added the 25 thousandth record to the New Zealand freshwater fish database (NZFFD), which now has extensive national coverage.

The NZFFD is a national repository for site-specific freshwater fish data collected by a wide variety of agencies and individuals, and maintained with funding from FRST. Each record represents a unique combination of date, site, and fish species information.

The database has many uses, but is mostly applied in devising appropriate management strategies for freshwater fish and habitats, and assessing impacts of human activities.

For instance, Fish & Game New Zealand have used the database to identify priority waterways for fisheries conservation work and assess impacts of weirs, water extractions, and harvesting on freshwater fish.

Computer models developed from NZFFD data help us predict where certain fish species or communities are likely to occur, based on the physical characteristics and location of rivers and streams. From these, we have produced a manual on effective ways to restore freshwater habitats to enhance fish populations.

In the biosecurity arena, NIWA recently used the database to predict which native fish species might be affected by the spread of didymo.

The NZFFD is available online. To learn more about becoming a registered user, visit www.niwascience.co.nz/services/nzffd or contact Jody Richardson (j.richardson@niwa.co.nz).

To explore NZ freshwater fish data and make detailed maps,also check out the NIWA Freshwater Biodata Information System fbis.niwa.co.nz