Data stored in each record include the location of the sample site, sampling method and the fish species present, with many records also containing information on fish abundance and size, and a physical description of the site. Data from the River Environment Classification (REC) has also been linked to the NZFFD, adding further environmental information to each NZFFD record.
Access to NZFFD data is freely available.
Update
Kia ora Freshwater Fish Database users. We have recently made several changes to the database to make data entry easier:
Catchment lookup. We have replaced map numbers with regions to make it easier to select the correct catchment number. This is particularly helpful when a stream or river shares its name with several waterways across the country, such as Stony Creek.
Records from offshore islands. If you are submitting data from an offshore island, such as Chatham Island, you can now use the checkbox below the REC segment selection tool to submit the record without selecting an REC segment.
Sites not connected to an REC segment. A separate checkbox is now available for sites that are not directly connected to an REC segment, such as ponds or small lakes. Selecting it allows you to continue to the next page of the online form without choosing an incorrect REC segment.
Fish salvage—combined methods. You can now select each method used by ticking the relevant checkboxes. A comments field is also available if you would like to provide further information.
Electric fishing voltage. The voltage options have been updated to match the values displayed on an electric fishing machine, in increments of 100.
Record update information. The downloaded CSV file now includes a column showing whether a record has been updated since it went live in the database and, if so, when the change was made.
Click the button below to go to the service
Service type: Data Download
If you can’t find the information you are looking for on this website, email your query to a NZFFD administrator: [email protected]
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NZ Freshwater Fish Database Help
Learn how to use the New Zealand Freshwater Fish Database (NZFFD) -
NZFFD publications and catchment number directory
Access commonly cited references for the NZFFD and the Catchments of New Zealand publication. -
Guidelines for sampling freshwater fisheries
We have prepared a breakdown of the different guidelines that are available for sampling freshwater fisheries. The overview provides links to key documents that explain what should be considered when designing fish monitoring studies and how to implement the various sampling techniques. -
Identifying New Zealand freshwater fishes
NIWA has a series of identification guides available to help you identify New Zealand fish species both in the field and in the laboratory. The quick-guides are great for use in the field and the formal keys provide a greater level of detail. -
NIWA Atlas of NZ Freshwater Fishes
To find out more about the New Zealand freshwater fishes, the Atlas of NZ Freshwater Fishes provides an overview of the freshwater fish found in New Zealand, fact sheets for each species and links to other resources.