Invasive species

A NIWA-led programme to develop effective, and culturally-attuned strategies for managing the freshwater gold clam.

Introduced pests and diseases can harm the health of Aotearoa New Zealand's marine ecosystems, our seafood industry, and the social and cultural benefits that we derive from the sea.

In this update we report on research activities over the last three months in the field, the lab and the development of a new resource. 

NIWA hosted a visiting scientist, Dr Cao, from the Wuhan Botanic Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences over January and February 2025.

Know your invasive gold clam from your native pea clam and kaakahi/kaaeo.

Assessing depth specific distribution and relative abundance of gold clam and kākahi at Lakes Maraetai and Karaapiro.

Filter traps are being used to study the invasive gold clam in the Waikato River.

The invasive gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) can reach very high population densities, which can harm freshwater ecosystems.

Could bubbles and strobe lights stop pest fish swimming where they’re not wanted?

Learn more about gold clam life cycle

The invasive gold clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe. In New Zealand it was first discovered in the Waikato River in May 2023 at Bob's Landing, within Lake Karāpiro. It has been declared an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act.

NIWA and partners launch critical research to stop an invasive clam threatening New Zealand's freshwater ecosystem.