Thursday, May 21, 2015

Have you ever seen a fish climb a ladder?

Horizons are inviting the public to attend an informative workshop along the Koputaroa Stream for World Fish Migration Day on Sunday, 24 May.

Activities on the day include; Planting at 10am, BBQ, information on native fish & games, 11.30am-12.30pm, and a walk to tour fish ladders & watch electrofishing 12.30pm.

Anna Regtien, Freshwater Management Officer, explains the dangers facing native fish populations.

“Many of our native fish are diadromous, which means they need to travel from the ocean upstream. In stream barriers such as culverts, weirs and dams can easily stop the fish moving upstream and restrict the habitat available to them.” says Mrs. Regtien.

“Bring a spade and a pair of gloves and join us planting trees along the Koputaroa Stream. Don’t miss the opportunity to see electrofishing in action and to get to know some of our native fish. Our native fish are really special, but in-stream barriers are restricting where they can live,” says Mrs. Regtien.

“Electrofishing is amazing to watch, and should be really interesting for the public to watch. Electrofishing is a survey method used to sample fish populations using electricity to stun fish, but it causes no permanent harm to the fish,” says Mrs. Regtien.

“Take a glimpse into our work with freshwater fish and do your bit to help us with planting this World Fish Migration Day,

“We want to make sure that future generations of this Region can enjoy our waterways and the native fish that inhabit them.” says Mrs. Regtien.

World Fish Migration Day 2016 (WFMD) is a one day global initiative, with local events worldwide, to create awareness on the importance of open rivers and migratory fish. It is a World Fish Migration Platform activity and is held to improve the publics’ understanding of the importance of open rivers and migratory fish and their needs.

The day will be held at 46 Denton Road, Levin, on Sunday May 24, 10am-1.30pm. Parking will be available on Denton Road by the walk way.
Please RSVP to Anna Regtien, Freshwater Management Officer, by Thursday May 21, P: 0508 800800 or email anna.regtien@horizons.govt.nz.
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