"Our knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of many indigenous freshwater species is limited" (New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2000).

Native freshwater plants in New Zealand include species and assemblages found nowhere else, but these are under threat from invasive introduced weeds and fish, from decreasing water quality, and destruction of habitat.

NIWA applies molecular and standard taxonomic techniques to recognise endemic or unique aspects of our submerged flora. To restore native freshwater vegetation we identify methods to deliver the habitat requirements for native plants. NIWA’s studies on ecology of rare and endangered aquatic plants advances strategies to protect or enhance their populations.

Articles

Use molecular techniques for taxonomy

• Questions of quillwort biogeography

Assess techniques to restore native species

• Restoring Lake Vegetation
• Protecting and restoring Waikato peat lakes
• Charophytes and clear water: cause or consequence?

Advise management for aquatic diversity

• Bryophytes add biodiversity to lakes
• Charophyte diversity
• Checklist of New Zealand charophytes
• Impact of fish on plant survival