Te Kūwaha and Māori

NIWA is leading a new six-year research project that seeks to increase our understanding of piharau/kanakana/lamprey, using Mātauranga Māori, social science and biophysical science approaches.

Instream structures such as hydroelectric dams may act as barriers to fish migration, and have the ability to alter the ecological connectivity of freshwater environments.

Tuna, or freshwater eels, are the most widespread freshwater fish in New Zealand. This 'living' educational resource summarises a large amount of scientific and technical literature.

Tuna harvested from Lake Ōmāpere and Utakura River catchment have long comprised an important fishery for tangata whenua.

Tuna is a generic Māori word for freshwater eels. The word will be used interchangeably in this resource.

In comparison to the vast span of geological time, the estuaries that we see today are very recent coastal features.

There are several ways to tell the three New Zealand eel species apart.

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

Freshwater eels have an unusual life cycle which sees them travelling between the ocean, estuaries and freshwaters.

What does science tell us about New Zealand freshwater mussels?

Tuna are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.

Longfin eels are the largest and longest-lived fish in New Zealand's freshwaters, and where they are present they are the top predator.