Top New Zealand freshwater scientists have answered the question of how much nutrients should be permitted in our rivers to maintain ecosystem health.
Lead scientist and report author Dr Adam Canning (now based at James Cook University in Queensland) undertook an extensive analysis of data looking at macroinvertebrate (aquatic bugs) diversity in New Zealand waters that have differing nutrient levels.
Recently appearing in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal, the paper is seen as definitive research to set appropriate nutrient levels for nitrogen and phosphorus in our rivers to ensure good environmental outcomes.
Fish & Game New Zealand chairman Ray Grubb says the ground-breaking report provides a strong basis to further develop public policy on freshwater.
"Having been internationally peer-reviewed provides confidence that these figures are the right ones to use when implementing the National Policy Statement (NPS) Freshwater Management 2020 over the next couple of years," says Ray.