Aquatic Bug Bags: Inspiring tamariki to protect river biodiversity

The innovative Aquatic Bug Bag Project, offered through Enviroschools Canterbury, was recognised for its success, winning the Small Group Award at the 2025 Canterbury Conservation Awards. Developed by Dr Issie Barrett of Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University and Matt Stanford of Enviroschools Canterbury, the project highlights the plight of aquatic invertebrates living along the Waikirikiri Selwyn River.

“Waikirikiri Selwyn River supports amazing aquatic biodiversity from the mountains to Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere,” says Dr Barrett. “Unfortunately, many freshwater systems in the region are degraded – both in water quality and the physical habitat available to our native aquatic invertebrates.”

The project introduces the use of artificial habitats made from repurposed coffee sacks, known as Aquatic Bug Bags, to be placed along riverways. These bags provide safe spaces for invertebrates, protecting them from predators like eels and helping restore biodiversity.

Five schools along the Waikirikiri Selwyn River participated in the initiative, designing, creating and deploying their own bug bags. Each design was unique, reflecting each child’s imagination.

“The bug bag designs were all different, having been created by each of the school children participating. There were so many awesome designs – the creativity was insane! The bags are stuffed with leaves, sticks and a couple of stones, with holes then cut into the bag. This creates the perfect environment for the invertebrates to tuck themselves away in there and be safe from predatory fish such as eels,” says Dr Barrett.

Once completed, the bug bags were placed in local waterways by tamariki, giving them a hands-on experience in environmental management.

“It was fantastic to see the kids interacting with their river and learning how they can help native species. From a research perspective, monitoring invertebrates along the river—from the mountains to downstream—helps us understand how habitat and water quality affect their survival,” says Dr Barrett.

Initially designed for tamariki in years four to eight, the project’s success has inspired plans to make it available nationwide.

“The programme has been a huge success! The kids developed a real connection to river ecosystems and the life they support. We hope schools everywhere will use these resources—and not just schools. Community groups and parents can get involved too.” 

To learn more about the Aquatic Bug Bag project, click here >>