Ecological investigations are a cornerstone of how we help clients understand the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments. These studies explore key factors like water quality, habitat, and environmental conditions, providing essential insights for resource consent applications, compliance monitoring, pollution response, and environmental baseline establishment. Our expertise spans a range of ecosystems, including freshwater, estuary, coastal, and riparian areas, where we assess water quality, invertebrate populations, vegetation health, and other critical ecological indicators. We also collaborate with industry experts and researchers to develop applied research projects, focused on promoting the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
Using scientific methods and advanced tools, including GIS, we tailor each investigation to meet the specific needs of your project—whether through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, or visualising data patterns. We’re committed to delivering reliable, science-backed insights that lead to real-world solutions benefiting both the environment and your decision-making process. If you’re ready to start an investigation or need guidance on how to proceed, contact us today to ensure your results are robust and actionable.
Balancing the Protection of Freshwater Ecology Values with Infrastructure DevelopmentWaka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
The Ōtaki to North of Levin Highway Project (Ō2NL) is a significant infrastructure initiative, constructing a 24-kilometre four-lane divided highway and shared pathway through Horowhenua, New Zealand. EOS Ecology was commissioned to undertake comprehensive ecological field investigations and develop a freshwater ecology assessment of environmental effects (AEE) to support the project’s designation and resource consent application. Our team created and carried out an extensive sampling programme to evaluate ecological values along the planned route, assessing stream habitats and functions through the Stream Ecological Valuation methodology, macroinvertebrate sampling and processing, and eDNA analysis to identify fish species. We also engaged with landowners to identify options for biodiversity offsetting, such as riparian fencing and planting, to ensure the project supports local ecological and community interests.
Throughout the project, EOS Ecology offered specialised guidance on fish passage requirements, participated in community consultations, and worked closely with iwi partners Muaūpoko and Ngāti Ruakawa ki te Tonga to integrate both western science and indigenous knowledge into freshwater ecology planning. Our contributions extended beyond the initial consent application, including representation at the Environment Court hearing and ongoing work on stream offsetting initiatives. The quality of our assessments has been recognised by stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation, highlighting our commitment to delivering high-quality, rigorous environmental investigations that meet the standards expected for large-scale infrastructure projects.
A Study of Estuarine Diversity: Exploring the Intertidal and Subtidal Communities in the Whanganui River MouthWhanganui District Council
EOS Ecology has led a series of comprehensive investigations aimed at understanding the estuarine ecology of the Whanganui River Mouth to prioritise the health of Te Awa Tupua (the Whanganui River) during multiple stages of local infrastructure revitalisation work. This infrastructure work, undertaken by the Te Pūwaha project partnership, includes upgrades to river and erosion control structures, the revitalisation of the Whanganui Port, and long-term dredging within the lower Whanganui River. Our team conducted extensive surveys of intertidal and subtidal habitats across the river mouth system, gathering vital data on invertebrate and macroalgae populations in rocky and soft sediment areas and establishing a detailed understanding of the current state of these environments. We also provided science-backed insights that informed the decision-making processes for multiple resource consent applications.
Guided by the principles of Tupua te Kawa (the natural law and value system of Te Awa Tupua), we engaged in a collaborative process with the hapū collective Te Mata Pūau, district and regional councils, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for enhancing ecological outcomes and creating valuable habitats. Our evaluations of local biodiversity and the health of mahinga kai shellfish populations within the tidal river mouth have deepened the understanding of these vital estuarine communities and provided ecological information to support iwi efforts to improve the abundance of the lower Whanganui River and set the stage for future generations. This cooperative approach has fostered a shared commitment to ecological enhancement, culminating in Te Pūwaha receiving recognition for excellence in collaboration at the Economic Development NZ Awards in 2022.
What Lies Beneath? Freshwater Ecology of Wellington Piped StreamsGreater Wellington Regional Council & Wellington City Council
In urban Wellington, the extensive piping of natural streams has hidden much of the freshwater ecosystem underground, leaving only small portions of original stream habitats accessible. Recognizing the need to understand these unique environments, EOS Ecology collaborated with the Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council on a pioneering study to uncover the hidden ecology within urban catchments. This research brought innovative approaches to urban waterway exploration in confined piped spaces, using specialised field methods and tools like trail cameras, sticky traps, and Surber sampling techniques, which allowed a comprehensive look at fish and macroinvertebrate communities, water quality, and habitat features inside piped areas. Cameras set at manhole entrances provided valuable visuals of fish populations, while additional survey techniques like spotlighting and netting helped further our understanding of fish species living within the urban pipe network.
This study has illuminated the importance of piped streams, which support unique ecological communities adapted to these low-light, disturbed environments. By highlighting the specific needs of these ecosystems, the research lays the groundwork for future urban planning efforts that recognise and protect piped streams as more than just components of the stormwater system. With potential habitat improvements also suggested, our work provides a path forward for enhancing habitat quality for both fish and macroinvertebrates in urban piped waterways. This pioneering effort not only sheds light on hidden aquatic life but also offers a practical approach to integrating ecological values into urban water management.
Illuminating the Ōtākaro Avon River: Guiding Sustainable River Management with eDNA InsightsChristchurch City Council
The Christchurch City Council’s Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (ŌARC) Regeneration Plan outlines a sustainable future for the 602-hectare area along the Ōtākaro/Avon River. To guide resource management and consent decisions, EOS Ecology was tasked with collating existing ecological information and identifying ecological data gaps across this urban waterway. After a systematic review of reports, databases, and GIS data, our science team pinpointed key gaps in information on macroinvertebrate and fish communities, particularly regarding kākahi (freshwater mussels). To address these gaps efficiently, we conducted an extensive environmental DNA (eDNA) survey along 11 km of the river and its tributaries, employing multi-species DNA metabarcoding to map species presence across otherwise inaccessible non-wadeable river sections.
The eDNA survey, covering 15 strategically spaced sites, yielded critical insights into the biodiversity within the ŌARC. Results highlighted essential habitats for kākahi, especially around Horseshoe Lake, and identified previously unrecorded fish diversity, with estuarine and marine species detected further upstream than expected. This extensive dataset forms a robust ecological baseline that will support ongoing conservation, monitoring, and planning within the ŌARC. By illuminating the ecological richness of Ōtautahi/Christchurch’s urban waterways, this work will help guide sustainable, well-informed choices for resource management, ensuring these unique urban waterways are protected and enhanced for future generations.
