Latest news with #OtagoFish&Game
Otago Daily Times
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Minister keeping eye on consent application
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says she is "keeping a watching brief" as the application for treated wastewater being discharged directly into the Shotover River makes its way to the Environment Court. And Otago Fish & Game Council chief executive Ian Hadland says the council is confident authorities will handle the situation to safeguard the catchment's outstanding values, including water quality, fisheries and amenity values such as swimming. The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) began using emergency powers to discharge treated wastewater into the river — in order to bypass failing disposal fields at its Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant — on March 31. Ms Simmonds said she was "aware of concerns" raised about the QLDC decision. "I understand that this is an interim approach while QLDC completes necessary upgrades to its wastewater treatment system," she said. "The need for upgrades to the system was acknowledged by QLDC in its evidence and considered by the panel in its recommendations on Te Pūtahi Ladies Mile Variation." Because the Otago Regional Council granted the QLDC request for its retrospective consent applications for the emergency discharge to be referred directly to the Environment Court she did not have further comment at present. "However, I am keeping a watching brief on the situation." Mr Hadland said the resource consent application was for a "temporary solution" for the Shotover wastewater treatment plant's issues. "We are pleased to see that they are referring it straight to the Environment Court and allowing the public to have a say, because there is high interest in this matter. "We will review the application at that point and consider a submission on behalf of our angling and hunting licence holders." The Kawarau River and its tributaries, which include the Shotover, were protected by a Water Conservation Order put in place in 1997 to safeguard the catchment's outstanding values, including water quality, fisheries and amenity values such as contact recreation, he said. "We remain confident authorities will handle this situation to ensure the provisions of the Water Conservation Order are upheld." Mr Hadland said Otago Fish & Game supported enforcement action taken by the regional council for QLDC consent breaches. "We recognise this is a complex legacy issue and the potential remedies are costly. "We're hoping the QLDC moves quickly on to finding a more permanent solution." Otago Fish & Game was at the forefront of litigation which secured the Water Conservation Order to protect the Kawarau River and its tributaries, he said.— APL
Otago Daily Times
04-07-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Critically endangered fish found in two new sites, returns to another after years
A tiny native fish with a big conservation story has resurfaced in the streams of Central Otago. The Clutha flathead galaxias, a critically endangered species found nowhere else in the world, has been discovered in three separate locations in the Cardrona Valley, two new sites and one where the species had not been seen in more than 20 years. The discovery was made during an extensive field survey led by University of Otago postgraduate researcher Isaac Davies, supported by the inaugural Donald Scott Memorial Scholarship in Freshwater Ecology. Mr Davies and his research team surveyed 30 streams across the Cardrona Valley, ultimately detecting the elusive galaxias in small, trout-free headwaters protected by natural barriers. These findings underscore the importance of such barriers in shielding vulnerable native species from introduced predators such as brown and rainbow trout. Mr Davies said the Cardrona remained a valued sports fishery, "but this project demonstrates there's also room to recognise and protect the special native species that are still holding on in some of the valley's more remote corners". The Clutha flathead galaxias may be small, seldom exceeding 10cm, but its presence is a critical indicator of freshwater ecosystem health. With trout known to prey on or outcompete native species, the galaxias' survival often depends on remaining in isolated habitats above natural fish barriers. The project was made possible through a generous donation by Patricia Scott, who established the scholarship in memory of her late husband, Donald Scott, a long-serving Fish & Game councillor and passionate advocate for freshwater conservation. "The outstanding work in the discovery of these new populations of rare galaxiids by the first scholar of the Donald Scott Memorial Scholarship proves the worth of Fish & Game's ongoing commitment to scientific research and to being kaitiaki of the taiao," Mrs Scott said. Otago Fish & Game chief executive Ian Hadland welcomed the findings, noting they aligned with the organisation's approach to balancing the needs of both native species and the region's popular trout fisheries. "We're committed to supporting resilient ecosystems that support both native fish and a world-class sports fishery. "This work, guided by our Regional Species Management and Interaction Policy, shows the value of partnerships in getting there." In addition to mapping galaxias populations, Mr Davies' research is shedding new light on the species' life history — including spawning age, egg size and the downstream drift of larvae — which will help guide future conservation efforts and fishery management strategies. University of Otago' department of zoology professor Gerry Closs said the support from the scholarship and partner organisations made a tangible difference. "Supporting students enables these critical discoveries to be made." The research also identified priority sites for future environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which will help provide a clearer picture of where native fish populations persist and how best to protect them. Key findings — Three Clutha flathead galaxias populations found — two new, one rediscovered — All located in trout-free headwaters protected by natural barriers — 30 streams surveyed across Cardrona Valley — Additional species recorded: brown and rainbow trout, kōaro, upland bullies, longfin eels — Research to inform future native and sports fish co-management — APL
Otago Daily Times
28-04-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Hills' wetlands work boon for game birds
Omakau farmer and duck-shooter David Hill (left) shows Otago Fish & Game operations manager Jamie Ward around his wetlands. PHOTO: MASON COURT As Otago duck-shooters ready their decoys and check their gear ahead of the 2025 game bird season opening this Saturday, an Omakau farming couple are being praised for their efforts in preserving vital wetland habitats. David and Susan Hill, sheep and beef farmers near Omakau, have been steadily transforming their land into a haven for waterfowl. Since 2008, the Hills have created multiple ponds and planted native vegetation, striking a balance between productive farming and ecological stewardship. "I knew the ducks needed their environment too. It's not just all sheep and beef," Mr Hill said. Their conservation work has recently been boosted by support from Otago Fish & Game through its Habitat Enhancement Fund, which helped the Hills install fencing, plant native trees and shrubs, and protect waterways on their property. A local catchment group also contributed by fencing off a stream that runs through the farm. Mr Hill grew up shooting ducks along the Mataura River in Gore. "You've got to have good water, and everybody in New Zealand needs good water. I was doing my wee bit, and I feel quite satisfied really." He said the improvements had made a noticeable difference, not only for ducks but for other birds and livestock. "There appears to be more swans. At nesting time, there are quite a lot of hatches. Even here at the house, there's fantails and that, and it's quite a joy," he said. "The shelter also helps — wind can be our biggest enemy." Otago Fish & Game operations manager Jamie Ward said the Hills exemplifed how farming and conservation could work hand in hand. "Their commitment to creating quality habitat isn't just good for game birds — it's supporting biodiversity across their property and contributing to the 2.8million hectares of native vegetation on sheep and beef farms in New Zealand." Farmers also play a crucial role in supporting the duck-shooting tradition in Otago, many providing access to shooters on private land. "We really appreciate farmers like the Hills who enjoy opening their properties to hunters," Mr Ward said. "Their willingness to share access creates opportunities for those who don't have their own land to hunt on." Mr Hill, who has been shooting since he was 12, strongly believes in respecting the birds and the environment. "If you are going to hunt something, you've got to respect the breed," he said. He enjoyed sharing the opening weekend with other duck-shooters who use his property, while he shoots with neighbours nearby. "I do like seeing the joy they get," he added. The Hills have also partnered with Fish & Game to provide access for junior duck-shooters and those with special needs, ensuring more people can safely enjoy the season. As opening day approaches, Fish & Game is reminding people to respect farmland, always seek permission before accessing private property, and leave gates as they find them. The 2025 game bird season officially opens on Saturday. — APL
