Regarding eels saved as Canterbury gap dries up

Swannanoa firemen Assina Dalglish, went to leave, and Scott Pilkington pour liquids into Whites Pit as part of hard work to recover more stranded eels. Photography / Supplied

Hundreds of native tuna/eels, some to as much as 60-years-old, have been rescued from Whites Pit at Ohoka in the past two months as the huge waterhole dries off the floor.

About 200 had rescued prior to Christmas and several one hundred since as dry conditions less the pit to a large are like a magnet puddle.

In a last-ditch effort to protect those that had burrowed deeply into the mud, the Swannanoa Fire Brigade was called in order to pour a truck-load of river in to help protect those turning into.

Makarini Rupene, calme matai ko/cultural land management reporter for the area extending from the Waimakariri to Kaikoura, says the eels, that happen to be an important mahinga kai (food source) for his people, have been moved to a safe freshwater environment.

Makarini, who is also one of the chairman of the Tangata Tiaki Kaitiaki board of Ngai Tuahuriri Runanga, which plays a part in guarding food origins, is appealing to farmers and landowners to contact Environment Canterbury if they have female races or ponds on their households that are drying out.

He says it is important that people know the significance about what they have on their land and also its particular importance to the eco-system.

Makarini says both short-fin furthermore long-fin native eels, which are a species at risk, were rescued from Whites Gap.

Eels in a bucket, awaiting move to a new home. Photo hcg diet plan Supplied

Rescuers initially used electric reef fishing to catch the eels, earlier mentioned turning to nets.

“Over the Christmas period I went back with family and took out 1 100 eels, ” Makarini statements.

As the pond dried out it was a matter of wading around attests 10 metre by 10 metre mud puddle, sometimes up to his or her waists, catching eels by hand.

ECan and Department concerning Conservation staff helped in the try of around another 200 eels, but eventually had to give up being the remaining few eels were dug deep in the mud.

Makarini says he will be stocking a close eye on the pit which enable it to rescue any other eels that come towards the surface.

It was the actual time in 10 years Whites Pit acquired dried up and he is keen to be aware its hydrology.

“This emphasises the importance of water and looking shortly after our waterways, ” he expressed.

– Central Canterbury News