Science Centres: Coasts
Welcome to the latest edition of Coasts Update. Here we bring you news of some of NIWA's latest research on aspects of coastal ecology, and the possible impacts of climate change on one of our coastal communities.
Scientists from NIWA and Massey University have surveyed rig shark (aka lemon fish) nurseries in 13 estuaries nationwide. They also recorded a number of environmental parameters, which will help scientists understand more about the preferred habitats of rig sharks.
A new post doctoral fellow at NIWA – Dr Claire Guy – is investigating the ecological impacts of ocean acidification on key Antarctic shellfish.
NIWA is developing a model to help predict the effects of land-use change on nutrient concentrations in estuaries. Follow the links to read the project pages on the CLUES estuarine toolkit.
As the climate changes and sea levels rise, coastal communities become more vulnerable to hazards like coastal inundation and erosion. NIWA is working with coastal communities and councils on how to adapt to these impacts.
Seagrass meadows provide vital habitat for juvenile fish, but are disappearing at an alarming rate in many places. NIWA scientists are finding out more about the role seagrass plays in the life of young fish.
