The distribution of biota from some geothermally influenced waters in the Taupō Volcanic Zone

Report: TR 2021/35

Authors: Ian Duggan and Ian Boothroyd (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA))

This report discusses the spatial dynamics of algae and macroinvertebrates in the Taupō Volcanic Zone, a project jointly funded by Waikato Regional Council and NIWA.

The main focus of the study was to examine the responses of macroinvertebrates to environmental gradients in stream habitats. A secondary focus was algal community composition. The aims of the report are to:

• describe the algal and invertebrate communities in a variety of geothermal habitats with a particular emphasis on running water and spring habitats;
• measure invertebrate community changes along geothermal stress gradients, and;
• examine the significant habitat and environmental factors influencing the diversity and distribution of aquatic geothermal invertebrate communities.