New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Ecological characterisation, classification, and modelling of New Zealand rivers: an introduction and synthesis

BARRY J. F. BIGGS MAURICE J. DUNCAN

Hydrology Centre
DSIR Marine and Freshwater
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
P.O. Box 22 037, Christchurch, New Zealand

IANG.JOWETT

Freshwater Fisheries Centre Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries P.O. Box 8324, Riccarton Christchurch, New Zealand

JOHN M.QUTNN CHRISTOPHER W. HICKEY ROBERT J. DAVIES-COLLEY

Water Quality Centre
DSIR Marine and Freshwater
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
P.O. Box 11115, Hamilton, New Zealand

MURRAY E. CLOSE

Ilam Research Centre DSIR Geology and Geophysics Department of Scientific and Industrial Research P.O. Box 29 181, Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract A programme of research to characterise, classify, and model New Zealand rivers according to hydrological, water quality, and biological properties is introduced. The results are detailed in the accompanying eight research papers. These studies provide the first national perspective on water quality and biology in New Zealand's rivers using a consistent methodology. They are also the first step toward providing managers with robust models for predicting the effects on aquatic biota of changes in flow regimes and catchment land use. A synthesis of the results is given in this paper together with recommendations for riverine ecoregions in New Zealand.

Keywords hydrology; water quality; optical properties; periphyton; benthic invertebrates; trout; instream habitat; river characterisation; rivers; river classification

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 1990, Vol. 24: 277-304 Crown copyright 1990
Received 19 April 1990; Accepted 20 August 1990

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (4007K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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