Freshwater ecology

PDP service

Supporting healthy freshwater environments.

Our specialist freshwater team provides practical, science-based advice to help clients understand and manage freshwater values and effects throughout the lifecycle of their projects.

Services that we provide:

Freshwater habitat assessments and mapping

Assessments of habitat quality, mapping of streams, rivers, wetlands and other freshwater features.

Stream classification assessments

Classification of watercourses in accordance with regional guidelines and criteria.

Stream Ecological Valuations (SEV)

Implementation of the SEV methodology and calculation of associated environmental compensation ratios (ECR).

Riparian vegetation assessments and Planting Plans

Assessment of riparian vegetation condition, composition and ecological function, preparation of planting plans.

Freshwater fauna surveys and identification

Survey and identification of native and introduced freshwater fauna, capability in electrofishing, trapping/netting and eDNA sampling.

Freshwater fish salvage and relocation

Design and implementation of Freshwater Fauna Management Plans prior to streamworks, under the appropriate permits.

Estimate fish abundance and biomass, assessment of fish health

Assess effectiveness of fish capture and estimate total fish abundance from multiple removals associated with salvage and relocation operations.

Macroinvertebrate, macrophyte and periphyton surveys

Assessment of stream health using macroinvertebrate community indices, macrophyte and periphyton indicators.

Water quality monitoring

Design and implementation of water quality monitoring programmes including stream flow gauging.

Fish passage assessments

Assessment of instream structures against national environmental standards and best practice guidelines to identify fish passage barriers and remedial options.

Freshwater ecological effects assessments

Preparation of freshwater ecological impact assessments to support resource consent applications.

Resource consent reviews and support

Provision of freshwater ecology advice for consent applications, technical consent reviews and attendance at hearings.

Construction supervision and compliance monitoring

Monitor freshwater habitats and inspect environmental controls during streamworks and construction.

Stream restoration and enhancement design and monitoring

Design and monitor stream, wetland and riparian restoration projects.

Cultural Health Index monitoring

Support tangata whenua with cultural health monitoring and incorporation of Mātauranga Māori into monitoring plans.

Catchment-scale watercourse management

Catchment-scale surveys to inform effective management and prioritise watercourse enhancement opportunities.

Residual flow recommendations

Ecohydraulic modelling to assess the effects of residual stream flows on fish and invertebrates below water intake structures.

We combine specialist field experience with ecological assessment, monitoring and consenting expertise across streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and wetlands. From early planning through to construction and restoration, we assess freshwater habitats, aquatic species, water quality and fish passage to identify risks early and provide practical, cost-effective solutions that support project delivery while protecting freshwater values.

Whether you’re at the early planning and consenting stage or already on the ground, we can help you understand the freshwater values associated with your site and what they mean for your project.

Talk to us, for practical, science-based advice on how to navigate bat-related constraints, design smarter projects, and meet ecological and regulatory requirements.

Find out more about our range of Ecology services