Lakes

For more than 20 years NIWA scientists have been nurturing three plants that are the only examples of their kind in existence.

Scientists know so little about how storms affect the delicate balance of lake ecosystems that we may be unable to protect them from the effects of climate change, says a NIWA scientist.

Of the more than 70 aquatic plant species naturalised in New Zealand, more than 75% have become problem weeds or have been assessed as having the potential to become future problem weeds. Most of our lakes, rivers and streams are affected by at least one of these species.

Visitors to NIWA’s stand at this year’s Fieldays are invited to go diving into the Rotorua lakes—without having to get wet.

NIWA researchers are out on Lake Whakatipu for the next week mapping the lake floor for the first time.

Few New Zealand lakes retain their indigenous vegetation, and the condition of many lakes is under threat from land-use changes and the invasion of alien aquatic plants.

NIWA discusses, in depth, this year's most asked question—what is happening to our fresh waterways?

To prepare for changes in climate, our freshwater and oceans decision-makers need information on species vulnerability to climate change.

Once you have identified the problem, and applied the necessary tools for restoring kōura to your stream, the next phase of your project is to monitor the site to see whether restoration works.

The tools available for restoring kōura to lakes and streams depend on what is causing kōura to decline.

Habitat and biological factors factors affect why kōura rare or absent in your waterway.