Shine a light on a fishy plight
Local streams contain several types of native fish, including the six species whose juveniles make up what is commonly known as ‘whitebait’. Seldom seen because they are secretive, small and camouflaged, many of our native fish are also rare. Three-quarters of our indigenous freshwater fish (39 out of 51 species) are threatened with extinction or are at risk of becoming threatened.
That’s why Project Parore is supporting the Katch Katikati Lanterns & Lights event (18-22 July) and its fishy theme. It’s a great opportunity to shine a light no pun intended - on these overlooked inhabitants of our local waterways.
A significant factor in their decline is the modification of their watery habitat. All manner of man-made impediments alter water flow and prevent the essential migratory movement up and down streams that galaxiids (whitebait species) in particular must have to breed successfully.
Fixing the damage and minimising the further impact on our streams is absolutely critical to restoring their numbers. Project Parore is working with BOP Regional Council to raise awareness around fish migration and aims to remediate all the barriers to fish passage in every catchment at the northern end of Tauranga Harbour. Already, four streams have had work carried out on dozens of culverts, dams and fords.
So go on - use a bit of creative licence and come make a colourful lantern to
salute and celebrate our native fish!
Supported by the Ministry for Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund, Project Parore is on a collaborative mission to enhance environmental stewardship, protect streams and restore biodiversity across eight catchments of the northern Tauranga Harbour. For more information: www.projectparore.nz