Media release from Taranaki Fish & Game

Fish & Game urges anglers to avoid spill-hit waterway

Fish & Game staff are investigating the impact of a diesel spill from the Turoa ski field – but are advising anglers to avoid fishing the Makotuku Stream for now.

Fish & Game Taranaki says there have been no reports of any fish kills so far, but until further inspections have been carried out, this can’t be ruled out.

Fish & Game officer Allen Stancliff says it appears that by the time the authorities were notified days after the event, most of the spill had already been flushed down the stream.

“There have been a couple of minor freshes which would have assisted the flushing process.

“Makotuku Stream is a tributary of the Mangawhero River and an important spawning and juvenile rearing area for brown trout that run up from the Mangawhero to spawn.

“So in our view it contributes to maintaining the regionally significant Mangawhero River trout fishery.”

Mr Stancliff says the Makotuku is a minor trout fishery in its own right, but fortunately given what’s occurred, it doesn't receive a lot of use by anglers.

We advise anglers to steer clear of the Makotuku until the all-clear is given, and of course avoid eating any fish caught in this waterway as a precaution.

ENDS

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