A.I. and scientific ingenuity: the next step in protecting NZ's lakes and rivers from invasive aquatic weeds

watch video

NIWA researchers have developed a portable detector to help find and identify submerged weeds. This technology will enable agencies to survey far larger areas more efficiently than is currently possible, and potentially lead to much faster responses to new incursions.

Invasive submerged weeds can degrade water quality, exacerbate silt and flooding, reduce the number of native animals and plants and play havoc with irrigation water delivery and hydroelectric power schemes.

NIWA freshwater ecologist Dr Daniel Clements says early detection and prevention is critical for achieving effective freshwater biosecurity outcomes.

"If you can detect high-risk invasive species early, before they are widespread, and implement effective management strategies, you minimise the long-term economic, environmental, social, recreational, and cultural impacts caused by these species."