Our Changing World: Mussel mania

New Zealand’s native freshwater mussels, or kākahi, are a keystone species for healthy lake and river ecosystems. 

But in many lakes across Auckland, kākahi have disappeared. 

Lake Rototoa near the entrance to Kaipara Harbour is still home to some kākahi, but they’re struggling to successfully breed due to invasive fish called perch. 

Now, a team from Auckland Council have come up with a plan to help protect the kākahi. 

Ellen Rykers joins them out on the water.