Oceans
We can manage our marine resources to benefit our economy and protect the environment.
Research projects
Featured research project
Remote Sensing of phytoplankton biomass and productivity
Date: April 03, 2009
Satallite images can be used to measure phytoplankton biomass in the ocean around New Zealand in order to understand ocean ecosystems, fish populations and greenhouse gas absorbtion. Read more about Remote Sensing of phytoplankton biomass and productivity
Our Services
The Oceans Centre can provide research services in five main areas: physical oceanography - ocean geology - marine Ecology - primary production and microbial processes - remote sensing. Read more about Our Services
Marine Environment Classification
The Marine Environment Classification (MEC), a GIS-based environmental classification of the marine environment of the New Zealand region, is an ecosystem-based spatial framework designed for marine management purposes. Read more about Marine Environment Classification
News
Download the seabed!
Date: August 19, 2010
Highly detailed maps of New Zealand’s seabed are now freely available on NIWA’s website. Read more about Download the seabed!
Publications
Coasts & Oceans Update
Up until 2008 this was a joint quarterly update from the National Centre for Coasts and the National Centre for Oceans. The publication facilitates public, industry, and governmental access to NIWA's expertise and knowledge in coastal and ocean research. Read more about Coasts & Oceans Update
Antarctica
NIWA scientists have worked for many years on Antarctic atmospheric processes and aquatic ecosystems. Our research vessel RV Tangaroa also supplies logistical support for scientific studies and hydrographic surveys in the Southern Ocean. Read more about Antarctica
New Zealand IPY-CAML project
Read more about New Zealand IPY-CAML project
IceCUBE - Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems
IceCUBE (Coastal Underwater Benthic Ecosystems) is the umbrella name for our coastal marine research project that had its first field year in 2001/02. The project aims to better understand the structure and functioning of benthic (seafloor) ecosystems along the Ross Sea coast. Read more about IceCUBE - Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems
Ross Sea Trophic Model
New Zealand Bathymetry
NIWA provides free New Zealand Region bathymetric datasets and images. Read more about New Zealand Bathymetry
New Zealand Bathymetry - Further Information
Technical information about our datasets and methodology along with related resources. Read more about New Zealand Bathymetry - Further Information
NZ Bathymetry - Terms of Use
You must agree to these conditions before you can legally download bathymetric data from NIWA. Read more about NZ Bathymetry - Terms of Use