Oceans
We can manage our marine resources to benefit our economy and protect the environment.
Research projects
Featured research project
Remote Sensing of phytoplankton biomass and productivity
Date: April 03, 2009
National Centre:
Satallite images can be used to measure phytoplankton biomass in the ocean around New Zealand in order to understand ocean ecosystems, fish populations and greenhouse gas absorbtion. Read more about Remote Sensing of phytoplankton biomass and productivity
Latest projects
Effects of ocean acidification on plankton in New Zealand waters
Our oceans are expected to become more acidic as carbon dioxide concentrations rise. This will likely have impacts on the plankton, which play a major role in ocean ecosystems and processes. This study will measure plankton diversity and productivity in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and predict their response to ocean acidification, warming, and stratification. Read more about Effects of ocean acidification on plankton in New Zealand waters
Plankton Biodiversity in the Southern Ocean
NIWA is conducting a five–year study to map changes in the distribution of plankton species in surface waters between New Zealand and the Ross Sea. Officially known as Continuous Plankton Recorder Time Series, this study is part of a Ministry of Fisheries marine biodiversity programme. Read more about Plankton Biodiversity in the Southern Ocean
Our Services
The Oceans Centre can provide research services in five main areas: physical oceanography - ocean geology - marine Ecology - primary production and microbial processes - remote sensing. Read more about Our Services
Marine Environment Classification
The Marine Environment Classification (MEC), a GIS-based environmental classification of the marine environment of the New Zealand region, is an ecosystem-based spatial framework designed for marine management purposes. Read more about Marine Environment Classification
News
Icebergs South of New Zealand
Date: November 18, 2009
Australian Antarctic Division seal biologists were the first to photograph several large icebergs off the coasts of Macquarie Island. Since the beginning of November these icebergs have been pushed north by winds and ocean currents to be within 250 km of New Zealand. Read more about Icebergs South of New Zealand
- New carnivorous sponge gives its prey the kiss of death - March 09, 2010
- It’s pretty in pink and it doesn’t stink! - March 08, 2010
- Like waves in a bathtub – the Chile tsunami reverberated around and around bays in New Zealand - March 05, 2010
- Bluff oyster beds are growing back despite killer disease, says NIWA - March 01, 2010
Publications
Coasts & Oceans Update
Up until 2008 this was a joint quarterly update from the National Centre for Coasts and the National Centre for Oceans. The publication facilitates public, industry, and governmental access to NIWA's expertise and knowledge in coastal and ocean research. Read more about Coasts & Oceans Update
Antarctica
NIWA scientists have worked for many years on Antarctic atmospheric processes and aquatic ecosystems. Our research vessel RV Tangaroa also supplies logistical support for scientific studies and hydrographic surveys in the Southern Ocean. Read more about Antarctica
New Zealand IPY-CAML project
Read more about New Zealand IPY-CAML project
IceCUBE - Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems
IceCUBE (Coastal Underwater Benthic Ecosystems) is the umbrella name for our coastal marine research project that had its first field year in 2001/02. The project aims to better understand the structure and functioning of benthic (seafloor) ecosystems along the Ross Sea coast. Read more about IceCUBE - Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems