45% of NZ rivers unsuitable for swimming, 48% inaccessible to endangered fish; nitrogen, phosphorus, invasive species strain river ecosystems and drinking water quality.

New Zealand's rivers are in decline with 45% unsuitable for swimming and 48% inaccessible to endangered fish, according to the Ministry for the Environment. Nitrogen and phosphorous inputs, along with invasive species, strain river ecosystems and impact drinking water quality. The government's focus on freshwater management highlights the need for better, faster monitoring methods, with environmental DNA (eDNA) offering a promising tool to assess river health.

March 20, 2024
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