Eel population survey in Waipaoa
http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article.asp?aid=3527&iid=313&sud=27
Tuesday, 17 January, 2006
EELS were once so plentiful in the Waipaoa River that as a youngster,
Bill Ruru made himself a promise when he got a little older.
"When I left school I vowed I would never eat another eel again," he
said.
"But it was a part of our staple diet back then at Waituhi we lived on
them and eels hanging up to dry used to be a common sight throughout the
Waipaoa in the 50s and 60s," he said.
"When the coast people (Ngati Porou) would come down here, all they would
want was eel.
"It was our speciality and their preferred diet when they used to come to
visit us," said Mr Ruru.
However, the sight of the delicacy which used to fill tables at marae
dining halls in the area fell into decline over the following years.
Te Aitanga a Mahaki have responded to this by launching a survey of the
Waipaoa rivers eel populations with a long-term goal of putting tuna (eel)
back on the marae menu.
Project leader for the Waipaoa eel survey, scientist Ian Ruru, said a
comprehensive study of the rivers eel populations was a first for the
region.
"We are trying to identify any problems within the catchment and are
looking at ways of restoring the habitat and the fishery," said Mr Ruru.
"As well as an assessment of the freshwater biodiversity, the iwi-led
survey brings together the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish), Department of
Conservation and Gisborne District Council, who fully support the project."
"MFish are looking at an assessment of the eel stocks so they can use
that information to better co-manage the fishery.
"The commercial minimum legal size for an eel is 220 grams. We may be
able to ascertain whether or not this is suitable for the long-term
sustainability of the fishery" he said.
The survey uses unbaited fyke nets and electric fishing equipment to
gather information on the different species, ages, size and health of the
eels.
Eel biologist Ben Chisnall said the survey of the lower catchment of the
Waipaoa River had already made some interesting discoveries including "a
high proportion of the highly-prized native long-finned eels", apparently
rare in other parts of the country.
DoC freshwater ecologist Jane Goodman said they had also discovered two
examples of the giant bully the first time these native fish have been
recorded in this river catchment.
"We are finding things that have not been recorded there. If we know they
are there we can take steps to protect them," said Ms Goodman.
'Educating the
community on the significance of our native fish and plant life is also a
goal', says maritime studies tutor Ronni Symon. 'As well as reviving some
of the traditional eeling practices there are bound to be some interesting
historical stories.'
The project has been running for a week, starting in the rivers lower
catchment.
Mr Ruru said they would be surveying areas further up the river and its
tributaries over the next month.
"The ultimate would be restoring the environment and the fishery through
an integrated catchment management plan. Its part of the bigger picture
which is why all these groups are working together," he said.
"Thats the higher-level vision to restore the mauri (life essence) of
the Waipaoa river," said Mr Ruru. |
