Freshwater

NIWA researchers have helped unlock information trapped in ancient air samples from Greenland and Antarctica that shows the amount of methane humans are emitting into the atmosphere from fossil fuels has been vastly underestimated.

The SHMAK method for rubbish involves collecting and identifying all the rubbish (litter) in the stream and on the stream banks.

The SHMAK visual habitat assessment gives your stream a score that you can use to assess changes over time or compare streams.

Two methods for describing streambed composition: the visual assessment method is quicker while the Wolman walk is more accurate.

Use an ice-cream tray to isolate and separate your invertebrates. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Field Guide helps you with identification.

Before you look at what animals you have collected, follow these methods to clear away debris (stones, sand, leaves, twigs) from your sample in the net.

If your stream has a muddy-bottom or soft-bottom (made of silt or mud), you need to use a different method than if your stream has a stony-bottom.

Use a net & the kick-net method to collect a greater range of benthic macroinvertebrates and more accurately assess the diversity of the community.

If you don’t have a net, you can collect stones from the streambed and collect the invertebrates that are clinging to the stones.

Macrophytes are large aquatic plants. How to assess macrophyte cover with just a measuring tape and a willingness to get wet.

How you can assess the types and amount of periphyton: communities of algae and cyanobacteria attached to the sediment surface or plants.