We Love Whitebait

eos ecology’s ANNUAL Newsletter

ECOLOGY, EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT 2016

IN THIS ISSUE...

The last twelve months have seen our team spending a lot of time in the community, 1 Wa haka In ka : as well as our aquatic environments. We’ve been spreading the word with thousands Causing Whitebait of school children and local community groups about how important their freshwater habitats and biota are...and we’ve loved it just as much as they have. We’re looking 4 Frm o the forward to engaging with even more people in the next twelve months! SCIENCE TEAM » Erosion Control » PNCC Monitoring Review » Tuna Townhouses » Detecting Fish Kill » Dudley Creek » Wellington’s ICMP

8 Frm o the FIELD & lab TEAM » Exotic Snail Found we love whitebait » Estuary Life » A Bug’s Lunch whaka inaka : causing whitebait » Fish Rescues & bringing together science, iwi community 10 Frm o the ENGAGEMENT & During the 2016 whitebait spawning season, due to a tilting of the estuary bed downstream, which COMMS TEAM » increased the uncertainty of where the spawning Pest Monitoring we were proud to be part of the largest scale Module grounds were in a post-earthquake Christchurch. initiative of its kind providing much-needed » Engaging Young’uns spawning habitat for Christchurch’s whitebait » Brian Mason Trust (Galaxias maculatus). » Whitebait Connection A collaboration with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, K4 University of Canterbury’s Marine Ecology Research » Invert ID Chart Christchurch’s rivers were once known for their Cultural Landscapes (Te Marino Lenihan), and species – īnaka » ‘Nature Agents’ plentiful spawning habitat and whitebait runs – early » Group (Mike Hickford) and Resilient Shorelines CEMP for LPC » CSCG Project ofprogramme whitebait (Shanethrough Orchard), the creation the offocus temporary of Whaka » duringPākehā the settlers spawning even referredseason. “Sadly to spawning that legacy īnaka has as Īnaka: Causing Whitebait is on stemming the decline Invasive Fish Book been‘cow fish’in decline due to for the some fact thetime rivers now, turned largely milky due to white changes we have made to the riverbanks where they spawning habitats. Involving the installation of 204 16 VITA L STATISTICS spawn,” said Project Leader and Principal Aquatic straw bales at 34 sites along the lower reaches of the Ecology Scientist at EOS Ecology, Shelley McMurtrie. Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River and around Lake Kate The 2011 Canterbury earthquakes also changed the Sheppard (between Travis Wetland and the Ōtākaro/ conditionsAvon River), were the projectmore suitable. revealed locations along the rivers where īnaka would be able to spawn if the location of the ‘salt water wedge’ (where īnaka spawn) PROJECT LEAD PROJECT COLLABORATORS

Resilient Shorelines

EOS ecology | AQUATIC SCIENCE & VISUAL COMMUNICATION www.eosecology.co.nz | PO Box 4262, Christchurch 8140, P 03 389 0538 | PO Box 8054, Palmerston North 4446, P 06 358 9566 | [email protected]

Straw bales provide ideal conditions for to lay their eggs, keeping them safe and moist during their month-long gestation period.īnaka The bales were in place throughout February to June 2016, and along with improving spawning success, they also showed where could successfully spawn if habitat conditions were improved,īnaka thereby helping to provide a road map for future habitat restoration.

waiting to be counted Hundredsusing a gridded of īnaka eggs quadrat.

photo © EOS Ecology / Shelley McMurtrie

WHITEBAIT WE ♥ to restore ...& need YOUR help Examples of the extensive inaka spawning & Lake Kate Sheppard media coverage, signage & in the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River naka.

publicity for Whaka ī DATE: Sat. 30/01/16. Weather dependent. Backup dates to be notified IDENTIFYING INAKA/WHITEBAIT EGGS TIME: 8:30am–4pm PLACE: 30 Barton St Entrance opposite Industrial Oils. Look for EOS Ecology flag.

Please help us to restore inaka Lunch provided spawning in our quake-damaged & FREE food & drinks local waterways through the creation at The Brewery of artificial spawning habitats! Conservation Volunteers New Zealand isProject working – a afterwards to celebrate with the Whaka Inaka : Causing Whitebait collaboration between EOS Ecology, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, University of Canterbury (with support 0.8–1.2 mm 2–3 mm from the Department of Conservation and Brian Mason We need about 24 fit & healthy volunteers Trust) to help provide spawning habitat for inaka. to help with the carrying & installation of INAKA/WHITEBAIT SLUG EGG In the largest-scale initiative of its kind we aim to install straw bales. If you’d like to be involved EGG artificial spawing habitat along 3 km of the Ōpāwaho/ Slug eggs, at 2–3 mm Heathcote River and Lake Kate Sheppard. please register your interest by emailing: Inaka/Whitebait eggs in diameter, are larger The spawning habitats will be made from simple straw [email protected] are small (0.8–1.2 mm than inaka eggs. They are bales, which provide the perfect environment for inaka in diameter), transparent milky white in colour and to lay their eggs, and will greatly improve spawning success for the coming season. round balls. Once they more like chicken eggs For more information visit our Facebook page – web search “facebook whaka inaka” are a couple of weeks old in shape. Slugs lay their By monitoring them throughout the breeding season we’ll find out where they’re spawning in the new the inaka/whitebait eyes eggs in similar places to post-earthquake environment. can be seen inside as two inaka and may eat small WHAKA INAKA : Causing Whitebait – A PROJECT BY...

small black dots. numbers of inaka eggs. SUPPORTED BY...

BRIAN MASON AQUATIC SCIENCE & technical trust scientific& VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Project Leader

WE WHITEBAIT © EOS Ecology / www.eosecology.co.nz WHAKA INAKA : CAUSING WHITEBAIT

2 naka project also sits at the heart of a priority aim in the earthquake recovery process – helping to improve the The Whaka ī naka was also themahinga habitat kai for (food our gathering)mahinga kai values species, of Christchurch’s our connection waterways. to about connecting with the our“With environment a greater awareness and its ability of caring to feed for its our people, rivers canand also restoring be community“Whaka Ī to effect long-term restored,” said Te Marino Lenihan of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Whaka positive change” HotelsĪnaka project for Inaka partner. The brain child of Mike Hickford – straw bales provide ideal our freshwater environment, but was also very much about community knowledge gains,” said Alan McDonald, Supervisor, during their month-long gestation period. And what’s more, the Community, Department of Conservation. balesconditions acted for as aīnaka key talkingto lay their point eggs, for the keeping community. them safe “The and bales moist Local iwi and community were directly involved in the project, were easy to install and monitor, and acted as a kind of Hilton helping with the January bale installation day and June removal day, whilst some also committed to returning regularly during the spawning season to assist EOS Ecology scientists with monthly peopleHotel for the īnaka. thousands In addition, of tiny they eggs were nestled also between an invaluable the bales way is to a egg counts at the bale sites. Sixteen local schools signed up to realengage ‘wow’ with moment local community for many,” aboutsaid Shelley. īnaka spawning – showing (see The bales were in place throughout February to June 2016, and page 10) – working on a roster basis to visit the bales to detect along with improving spawning success, they also showed where pestsparticipate and monitor in the Pest the Monitoringcondition of Module the bales. of Whaka“The support Īnaka of the local community and businesses, and of local iwi – some of whom thereby helping to provide a road map for future habitat restoration. Suchīnaka long-term could successfully goals are spawn strengthened if habitat with conditions links to widerwere improved, work on heartening,” said Shelley. “It was a real honour to have them all be post-quake spawning by University of Canterbury (i.e., the Resilient travelled from Kaiapoi to be involved in the programme – was so

aThe part installation of Whaka ofĪnaka.” information panels created by EOS Ecology at ConnectingShorelines programme: with the www.resilientshorelines.nz). Community theriverside project bale to includesites, a Whakaa sense Īnaka of stewardship Facebook bypage, locals. and Project attendance of Whaka Īnaka at four public events also widened the reach of naka was also about volunteers involved in the monthly egg counts were pleased by the Resultingconnecting not with only the in community the compilation to effect of baseline long-term data positive about īnaka level of interest from the local community. “I was so surprised at in post-earthquakenak Christchurch,a was a great Whaka project ī - it was not just about how protective the neighbourhoods were with the bales – every biodiversity gains time we were out there working, local people came and asked change. “Whaka ī and the cultural significance of īnaka within questionsA survey of about the project the project,” volunteers said Sarah,also showed a Whaka that Īnaka they volunteer. would

habitat. “If we are looking after the river, then we are looking after thenow people… definitely If wesupport are taking restoration care of efforts the river, to permanently that means people restore are involved, and their wellbeing is being taken care of too through

their connection to the natural world,” said Teoti, a Whaka Īnaka volunteerThe programme and takata has been tiaki successfulfor The Avon-Ōtākaro in both improving Network. spawning success and in engaging with the community and regulatory authorities to engender support for long-term improvements.

population. From councils through to residents – we all have the“We ability all have to aeffect part topositive play in change the future in the of wayour city’swe care whitebait for the

Installation of information toriverbanks look after where their river’sthese iconic spawning fish spawn,”grounds, said and Shelley. I look forward “Whaka to panels created Īnaka has been a great catalyst for enthusing people about how by EOS Ecology. bank maintenance changes”. seeing this enthusiasm reflected in long-term habitat restoration/

Follow the Whaka Inaka programme at www.facebook.com/whakainaka & read more in autumn 2016 Te Karaka magazine.

OTHER KEY SUPPORTERS / Thanks to the following organisations for in-kind support or funds for our Whaka Īnaka : Causing Whitebait programme...it wouldn’t be possible without you!

3 FROM THE SCIENCE TEAM keeping loess in its place testing methods for erosion control on Port Hills

Sediment inputs to stream environments are a trials, it became clear that how the product is applied also has a

development of land in areas with erosion-prone soils. these products is key to their successful control of erosion.” significant issue for New Zealand – particularly for the big influence on sediment runoff. The appropriate application of bare soil, effective erosion control treatments are crucial of community members. Many volunteers were surprised by the toAs protectlarge construction the health of sites nearby often waterways. open sizeable areas of amountThe field of testing sediment was runoffundertaken recorded. on weekends In one simulation to allow alone,involvement over 10 kg of loess was lost from the two metre squared control test plot where no erosion control treatments were in place. This high level of Having identified sediment runoff from the loess-covered slopes erosion highlighted the necessity to use erosion control treatments the Cashmere Stream and Heathcote River, EOS Ecology developed on all construction sites where loess soil will be left exposed. aof programme, the Port Hills welcomed as the main by contributorEnvironment of Canterbury fine sediment and to both

supported by the Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee, to field“Once test loess methods reaches to reduceour streams these sedimentit has an insidiousinputs. and long- “Results have been incorporated into our

very hard to remove in normal stormwater treatment systems. Forlasting the impactongoing on health stream of biota.our waterways, Due to its smallit is therefore size, it is also basis to effective land management...” imperative that we look for solutions to control the erosion updated guidelines, providing a scientific

Scientist at EOS Ecology. Environment Canterbury of loess in the first place,” said Shelley McMurtrie, Principal The Trial The Findings

“All of the treatments we tested have their place during the staging of a number of erosion control products in reducing sediment of construction projects on the Port Hills. The key to effective loadsEOS Ecology from exposed developed loess a rigoroussoil during field rain trial events. to test The the treatments efficiency erosion control, however, remains with covering all exposed soil, tested included traditional techniques to reduce erosion, such as at all times. For the sake of our waterways, it is our hope that our topsoiling and application of straw or coconut erosion matting, in addition to two newer soil stabilising products – ALS Marine’s involved in construction on the Port Hills,” said Thomas. findings will provide guidance for contractors and regulators Stream is highly-valued by the local community, the involvement WRD-L and Vital Chemical’s Bon Mat Stonewall. As the Cashmere also being incorporated into an updated version of Canterbury’s The findings and subsequent recommendations from the trials are erosion was also a key part of the programme. of community volunteers to gain first-hand experience of loess research is that it gives everyone involved in the building process “The results of the trials showed that while all treatments were –Erosion from council and Sediment staff and Control developers Guidelines. through “The to contractors huge benefit – theof the effective in reducing erosion during simulations, some were more effective than others. Straw and coconut matting, for example, reduced sediment runoff by over 90%. However, despite these Managementconfidence to Advisorrely on erosion at Environment control techniques Canterbury. to “The dramatically results from dramatic reductions, the sediment content in runoff was still very thisreduce research erosion have on site,”been saidincorporated Nathan Dougherty, into our updated Principal guidelines, Resource high – notably beyond that of consented limits,” said Thomas Adamson, Soil & Sediment Scientist at EOS Ecology. “During the critically providing a scientific basis to effective land management across Canterbury and New Zealand.”

Volunteers assisted EOS Ecology scientists during testing erosion thecontrol rigorous products. field trials

4 monitoring programme review benefits PNCC

Hokowhitu Lagoon is the last remaining oxbow lake in urban Palmerston

North.

Ongoing monitoring programmes for water and sediment Aiming to determine whether the current programme offered appropriate coverage of the major land use types, the detailed land catchment analysis also offered a comparison between local authorities – particularly when such programmes quality are potentially an expensive exercise for regional/ land use types and contaminant concentrations. As expected of a predominantly urban system, increases in industrial and effective, or have become irrelevant over time. residential land use correlated with increases in turbidity, have not been designed to be fit-for-purpose/cost- dissolved reactive phosphorus and soluble inorganic nitrogen, in Following the regular collection of water and sediment quality addition to raised concentrations of metals such as lead, copper recently commissioned a critical review of their monitoring data from 22 sites, the Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) programme. Our review focused largely on the examination of and zinc. site distribution, parameters measured, sampling periodicity and number of recommendations. These ranged from relatively small “In reviewing the PNCC’s monitoring programme we provided a analysis of data. In addition, we carried out a detailed GIS analysis tweaks regarding how data is reported, through to larger-scale focusing on catchment land use upstream of each monitoring site. investigations associated with the sources of E. coli and a baseline survey of freshwater biota,” said Alex. Guided by this review, the “To ensure ratepayers are getting value for money, we believe monitoring programmes must have a bespoke design in order values.next step Overhauling will be for theRangitāne monitoring o Manawatū programme and PNCCwill provide to develop useful data – data which can then be used to inform management a new joint monitoring programme that incorporates Rangitāne to both be implemented with efficiency and to also result in decisions,” said Alex James, Senior Freshwater Ecology Scientist. programme, and ensure future resource consent compliance. financial efficiencies, expanded geographic coverage of the

Tuna Townhouses sought-after real estate in the CBD

Offering little value in terms of habitat and cover, the smooth, vertical edges that characterise many of our urban riverbanks are particularly unwelcoming to aquatic life. project, ecological engineering design features included into the base of the As part of the in-river works for the Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct concrete“Already thesteps ‘tuna offer townhouse’ habitat that at is The particularly Terraces appealing has proved to itstuna/eels. worth, with huge now come down to feed them,” said Shelley McMurtrie, Ecology Lead for the longfin eels making their home there and entertaining the many people that

Te Papa Ōtākaro project.

Photo courtesy Kate Purton 5 FROM THE SCIENCE TEAM detective work finds fish-kill cause

was one for the detectives after a pollution call was receivedFinding the by thecause Christchurch of a fish kill City in a Council. small Akaroa stream Investigations were carried out the following day in order to ensure sampling was undertaken as close to the event as possible, and to ascertain whether the damage was under 100 16 98 16 bullies and 98 eels – some of which were estimated to be inanga bullies eels control. The dead fish recovered at the site included 100 inanga,

30–40 years old. were used as part of the Restorative Justice process. invertebrates were caused by a construction accident during The funds which were offered as recompense by the “Our investigations determined that the deaths of the fish and a culvert repair. Cement products such as ready mix grout and construction company were given to the Banks Peninsula Intercrete™ were released into the stream when grout-laden Conservation Trust to be managed. water left the construction site. This increased the pH balance and caused ammonia spikes – both of which are lethal for aquatic “Based on recommendations for ecological improvement, the life,” said Shelley McMurtrie, EOS Ecology scientist. Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust chose to allocate funds to To track the recovery of the stream we undertook a nine-month improving inanga spawning habitat in a nearby Akaroa stream. biological and water chemistry monitoring programme and Our team is currently working on designs for the restoration provided recommendations for ecological compensation. These of this habitat – it’s a positive outcome for what was a really recommendations, along with the initial investigative report, unfortunate ecological event,” said Shelley.

D udley Creek – merging ecology with flood management

modellers and landscape architects to redesign three kilometresWorking alongside of urban B stream,eca and the Opus EOS engineers, Ecology team flood surveyed the stream to establish its current ecological state and provided in-depth ecological input throughout the project.

Requiring detailed input into design plans to ensure the ecological were rescued, measuredThe fish & relocated phase.integrity Martin of the Smith, new flood Land mitigation Drainage Recoverysystem, the Project project Manager also needed before instream forecological Christchurch oversight City and Council fish rescue said “EOS work Ecology during have the constructionhad a very construction began. dedicated and professional team working on the Dudley Creek Flood Remediation Project and their approach to the work has helped bring

about significant improvements to the ecology of the creek.” Whist the floodplain needed to be widened to provide flood capacity, placementwe looked toof narrownatural rockthe low edging flow complete channel to with provide eel caves better and base pipes, flow water depth. Along with the addition of a coarse substrate, the the habitat value of the stream for aquatic life. and native trees to shade the channel, these all significantly improve

dryThe cyclefinal elementalong the of low the fresh ecological plains design while remainingcomponents small was enough to carefully select native wetland species that could tolerate a wet/

in stature to meet the flood modelling requirements.

Dudley Creek, it was also important to maintain or improve ecological“While the values focus wasof the on stream. increasing Although flood capacityon the surface within the stream may not be much to look at, we found a large diversity

c of fish, including a new species record for the catchment” Shelley M Murtrie, EOS Ecology

6 Effects of the Norsewood Sewage Treatment Plant Discharge on Mangarangiora Stream 21 7

GIS Davis Davis St Interislander ferry terminal Aotea Quay Stadium ThorndonQuay Westpac the information the information being discussed. principles for principles for

Broadleaved Indigenous Hardwoods Built-up Area (settlement) Exotic Forest Gorse and/or Broom High Producing Exotic Grassland Indigenous Forest Urban Parkland/Open Space Transport Infrastructure Meters depth and context to depth and context

800 Waterloo Quay Waterloo Land cover design

Using ArcGIS we can add we Using ArcGIS MAPPING SKILLS IN-HOUSE Arc AOTEA NORTH AOTEA urban

Wellington Train Station Train 5, EOS Ecology. 5, EOSEcology. BowenSt Waring Taylor St Taylor Waring 400 TINAKORI GLENMORE Barnard St 2 Stm Barnard sustainable

AITKEN of

Wadestown Rd Wadestown 200 HUNTER anded kōkopu were recorded in at least three remnant in at least three recorded were anded kōkopu Sar StSar Stm B Habitat assessment sites (EOS Ecology 2015) Water quality monitoring sites (WWL) Visited, permanent Visited, ephemeral Not visited Northern CBD subcatchments Significant ecological sites (WCC) Stormwater pipes adoption removal of fish migration barriers, improvements improvements barriers, of fish migration removal

BOWEN

Barnard St 1 Stm Barnard Habitatassessment carriedoutJune 201 Aerial Aerial imagery:LINZ 2012-13;Land cover: LCDB 4.1 LRIS 2015.Land cover for bestuse at 1:50,000scale. Source:stormwater Waterways, pipes, subcatchments & waterquality monitoringsites: WellingtonLimitedWater 2015; Remaining open channels EOS EOS Ecologyjob number WEL02-15026. Legend 2000NZGD MapNew Mercator. ZealandCreated July Transverse 2015EOS by Ecology. 0 eport identified critical knowledge gaps in addition gaps knowledge eport identified critical streams in the catchment (which highlights their ability to negotiate to their ability highlights (which in the catchment streams – an streams in three also recorded were kōura and piped streams) quality. good habitat and water indication of relatively The r values natural enhancing opportunities for highlighting to such as habitat, fish control, riparian planting, weed instream to and the treatment. stormwater stormwater management where practicable,” said Alex James James Alex said practicable,” management where stormwater Ecology. EOS from and data search, review literature Encompassing a comprehensive visits to out also included site carried the ecological assessment and riparian ecology in the of freshwater build a detailed picture catchment. Te AhumairangiTe

TAYLOR

WARING Tinakori Rd Tinakori Victoria University Park Stellin Memorial Botanic Gardens Wadestown Rd Stm Rd Wadestown Kumutoto Stm Kumutoto

Old Waterworks Stm Waterworks Old Glenmore St Glenmore George St Stm George Waipiro Stm Waipiro Aorangi Tce StmAorangi Mako Stm Mako Patanga Cres Stm Cres Patanga

Mataroa Ave Stm Ave Mataroa Pipitea StmPipitea

Open watercourses, stormwater pipes, and land cover in the Northern CBD catchment. Orangi Kaupapa Rd Stm Rd Kaupapa Orangi Pukatea Pukatea Stm Hinau Path Stm Path Hinau

Military RdMilitary Stm Wellington adopts ICMP approach to improve WQ improve to approach ICMP adopts Wellington EOS Ecology produced a comprehensive report summarising report a comprehensive produced EOS Ecology Harbour of the Lambton values the ecological and amenity areas channels and terrestrial open stream remaining catchment’s of ecological significance. management catchment an ecological perspective, “From on a catchment account ecological values into planning takes impacts of the adverse minimise to seeks scale and ultimately Over the last decade, the resource consenting of of consenting decade, the resource the last Over the territorial by activities discharge stormwater urban of some of New Zealand’s larger authorities of Integrated the development has spurred areas by Developed Plans (ICMPs). Management Catchment ICMP Harbour’s Lambton Limited, Water Wellington have to catchments City is the first of the Wellington such a plan. FIGURE 7

EOS ECOLOGY | AQUATIC SCIENCE & VISUAL COMMUNICATION FROM THE FIELD & LAB TEAM exotic traveller discovered in urban river The discovery of a large exotic snail in the CBD section of

regarding the spread of exotic aquatic species and Christchurch’s Ōtākaro/Avon River has raised concerns their early detection. highlighted the critical role of correct identification in Discovered during one of our habitat surveys of the river, Radix auricularia – a freshwater snail which grows up to 25 mm in specimens collected were identified as the lymnaeid

length, and appears to be a prolific breeder. While it is known possiblefrom lakes it hasin the been North in the Island, river this for issome the firsttime, record but has of remained it from undetecteda running water until (i.e.,now. stream) These snails environment are common in New in theZealand. aquarium It is

reiterates the need for ongoing messaging to the public about the trade, so it is likely that they were released from a fish tank. It

importance of tipping fish tank contents into the sewage system – NOTAs with the many stormwater exotic species,network Radix or natural auricularia waterbodies. has the potential to

for waterway health and monitoring programmes. Overseas they areimpact a known native vector communities, for parasites, with includinga range of trematodesflow-on implications (some

meaning they could also represent a future risk for human health. of which may infect humans) and a human pharyngeal parasite,

Radix auricularia detection. Also, don’t forget to report new records of exotic species – a freshwater snail toThe clients correct and identification the appropriate of exotic agencies. fauna is essential for early which grows up to 25 mm in length & appears MPI Exotic Pests & Diseases Hotline: 0800 80 99 66 to be a prolific breeder.

a snapshot of estuary life

estuary invertebrate samples. In addition to our biota ID skills, we We really enjoy processing inter-tidal, shoreline and rocky shore for local and regional authorities. “Over the past 10 years we’ve are also called on to monitor viral and bacterial levels in shellfish our local estuaries and along the coast. Plus it’s great to get out intobuilt these a really dynamic good picture environments of food safetyon such for a shellfishregular basis,” gathering said in

Nick Hempston, Aquatic Ecology Scientist atOccasionally EOS Ecology. while out monitoring in the estuary the team come across stacks of the topshell Diloma subrostrata. Snails from the same family a’n bug s lu ch

points for releasing theirare known eggs and to find sperm high into the water – so When processing macroinvertebrate samples you never maybe these guys are examiningknow what an you Austrolestes are going tolarvae find, (theand sometimesjuvenile form the of contents one making the best of provide unexpected glimpses into the life of a bug. While what’s available on the of New Zealand’s damselflies) under the microscope, Emily It’s considered polite mouthpartsfound a surprise which – inallow its mouth them towas capture an Orthocladiinae their prey. This (midge) little otherwise flat estuary. to leave them to it. critterlarva. Damselflies was caught aremid-munch, predators offering and have a neat specialised snapshot grasping into the eating habits of a tiny hunter.

8 nes w re cue method for bumper year of sediment-dwelling fish fish rescues ongoing activity in both rural and urban streams. The removal of fine sediment from our rivers is an for river management, it can be destructive for these areWorking regularly in Christchurch, called out by the contractors Banks Peninsula and other and Whilst the removal of sediment may be necessary the lower North Island, the scientists at EOS Ecology in-stream construction programmes or meet consent thehabitats, sediment. and may also result in the removal of fish, kōura/ organisations to help them avoid fish kills during their freshwater crayfish and kākahi/freshwater mussels with conditions relating to fish rescue/relocation work. or at risk, this work is becoming increasingly important – We’ve invested in finding a workable solution to reducing particularlyWith many of as New habitats Zealand’s continue native to befish lost classified due to humanas threatened waterthe number when ofit’s fish removed, inadvertently we did killedwhat scientistsduring river do best,sediment andremoval tested works. a hypothesis. Observing By that inserting fine sediments the electrodes usually of retainthe weactivities. take every “Many opportunity of our fish to are prevent in population further declinemortality due to habitat loss and pollution. With this in mind, it’s important surfaceelectrofishing to be safely machine removed. into slushy As a result, sediment, we were we found able tothat rescue fish (in particular juvenile eels and lamprey) could wriggle to the by removing fish from areas where they could be killed or stressed.” said Nick Hempston. over 400 fish from sediment removed as part of the Te Papa OVER TEN MONTHS: Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct project, including eels, lamprey, bullies, and even a flounder!

30 1,600 14 days fish different rescuing rescued species

Emily with her latest patient in Dudley Creek.

knee-high in mud fromNick &dump Kirsty trucks &

still finding live eels.

average Not your location. electrofishing

9 FROM THE ENGAGEMENT & comms TEAM real science in the community Scho o ls monitoring pest activity on Christchurch rivers

we developed a separate ‘Pest Monitoring Module’. In conjunction with Whaka Īnaka : Causing Whitebait, for our students, hands-on learning part throughout February–May 2016. Sixteen local schools with students aged 4–12 years took about“We valued real-world this unique issues opportunityin our own The module was designed to engage schools and their local community” through a focus on monitoring pest activity at the bale sites. community with the Whaka Īnaka : Causing Whitebait project Ōapāw School Deputy Principal Module was a real science programme – created to not only Based on current scientific standards, the Pest Monitoring to this project – they were our eyes and ears when we were unable offer experiential learning for Christchurch students but to also “In total, the students and their teachers dedicated over 450 hours

a roster basis, checked their pest detector cards to identify the to be out in the field,” said Kirsty. presenceresult in real of pests scientific along data. the riverbank Each school and visited then uploadedthe bale sites their on experiential learning opportunities for young children – in particular, Of just as much benefit as the data itself, is the value of these types of

findings to an online map-based database developed by Iain ourthe benefitstudents that due comes to the from importance carrying and out effectiveness work which isof of hands-on real Gover at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. use to a research project. “We valued this unique opportunity for needed replacing, but the data they collected on pest activity “Not only did the students let us know when damaged bales ourlearning ‘back about door step’,real-world our students issues in were our engagedown community,” because they said sawŌpāwa itSchool as relevant Deputy to Principal their lives.” Shevaun The programme Karipa. “As was the alsoŌpāwaho welcomed is on and dog poo is the first informationcard, including we somehave onaction this ideasfor the from Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River. The publicly available pest report the students, will be of great use for the Environmental Education for Sustainability curriculum. by schools as it fitted well within the Ministry of Education’s Environmental Scientist at EOS Ecology. Kirsty to provide screenshot city of Christchurch,” said Kirsty Brennan, Migration Day Event on May 20th. The event showcased the Using the app, students could record The monitoring programme culminated with the World Fish their observations as well as view data collected by other school groups, monthmigratory project. fish of “It New was Zealandan excellent and opportunityoffered an opportunity to both connect for some childrenof the participating with science schools and ecology to present and findingsalso engage from the the wider four- whilst scientists from the Whaka scientists from EOS EcologyĪnaka also programme provided the could groups check with for online community with the health of their local waterways,” said Kirsty. instructionupdates remotely. videos, In carried addition out to teacher field trips training with sessions,the students, and invited students to help them in the monthly egg counts of the SUPPORTED BY:

Whaka Īnaka bales.

Shelley & Mike with Students helped install & their display at monitor pest-detector cards, then uploaded Migration Day.World Fish the online app. their findings to

10 engaging scientists of the future

Engaging and educating young minds about the ecology Supported by the Christchurch City Council and in conjunction in their local waterways is becoming an increasing focus with Downer Construction, we recently worked with a kindergarten situated next to a stream construction site to teach the children more about their stream and what was being done for New Zealand. to improve it. scientists are heading into schools and kindergartens to teach childrenWith the aboutaim of the connecting aquatic wonders with the innext their generation, neighbourhood. our Part of this initiative has been the development of child-friendly “...great job helping communicate the resources, such as ecologically accurate colouring-in pages to waterway. “This type of work can include planning a classroom local residents and children.” ecologyhelp teach programme children (and with teachers/parents) the teachers, collecting what invertebratesis a healthy from a healthy stream and bringing them to the classroom to benefits of these improvements to Name: Martin Smith, School: Age: them to look at, and providing take-home resources that offer a CLandhristchurch Drainage Recovery SAD stream funshow approach the children, to education,” having an said electrofishing Shelley from day EOS to collectEcology. fish for Project Manager, HAPPY stream

City Council

Illustrations c EOS Ecology / Katie Wilson

One of our in-house produced, age-appropriate education resources

comparing ‘sad’/’happy’ i.e., unhealthy/healthy streams.

R EB ANDING THOSE KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE BACK TO SCIENCE

Here at EOS Ecology we’ll delve into logo and brand development for worthy causes (also see Cashmere Stream Care Group article on page 15) Trust expressed an interest in moving forward with their. lookWhen we the couldn’t Brian Masonresist helping out.

easy process resulting in a much improved logo“Working and website” with them said was Jane a smooth Shearer and from Brian Mason Trust.

working with Jane too while developing theKim new Hickford professional, from EOS clean Ecology look enjoyedand feel.

11 PART 2b: Experience

National Inanga Spawning Education Programme from Inanga/Whitebait whitebait Find the saltwater wedge Xstream about freshwater life

Inanga spawning sites can be hard to find, but if you can find the upstream end of the saltwater wedge it can help focus your search.

The saltwater wedge is the found where saltwater To find the upstream edge of the saltwater wedge we from the sea merges with freshwater from the river. have to test the salinity of the water at the bottom Saltwater is denser/heavier than freshwater due to (on the bed) of the river. its mineral content, so it stays on the riverbed while the freshwater floats over top. This leaves a wedge- To do this you will need: shaped area of salty water underneath the fresh river water – called the saltwater wedge. salinity meter (a cable/pole for the unit, or a way of collecting water from deeper water may be useful) What is salinity? Salinity meters can be obtained from NIWA Instrument Systems, Envco or similar FROM THE ENGAGEMENT & comms TEAM Salinity tells you the mass of instrument suppliers. Or, you could contact dissolved salts in the water – usually your local City or Regional Council and see if they will assist you. expressed as parts per thousand (ppt) – seawater around NZ has a salinity of about 35 ppt. GPS unit

About 90% of the dissolved salts are sodium chloride (table salt) the other note-taking equipment (or a data arming the educators salts are are made up of chlorine, recording sheet, see next page for an example) sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium and potassium kayak (might be useful in deep/wide rivers) BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL INANGA SPAWNING Freshwater hasEDUCATION a salinity of less PROGRAMMEEnsure you follow best-practice health and safety protocols when using kayaks, e.g., using than 0.5 ppt. approved kayak instructors, ensuring there are at least two of you in case of capsize etc. Infographic explaining have while talking about inanga spawning? The answer, what a salt water wedge is & how it relates to Well...how much fun can some scientists and designers the love inanga spawning SALT WATER zone! EOS Ecology joined forces with Mike Hickford from habitats. WEDGE surprisingly,the Marine Ecology is HEAPS! Research Shelley Group and B atronwyn University from of upstream end of salt water sea wedge river Canterbury to develop the content, design and produce a SALTWATER FRESHWATER is denser/heavier than freshwater, so stays below it when they meet approx. Funded by full educationCurious syllabus Minds for Whitebait Connection. 240 metre with us to produce print and Powerpoint based educational stretch resources which tell the fascinating – Whitebait story Connection of inanga. worked Covering together their Signage which can be adapted for local supporters is survive...it’slife cycle, habitats, a big story. how/where The programme they spawn also (which covered we where endearingly also part of andrefer how to as to ‘the install love temporary zone’) and, spawning ultimately, habitats how we if canyou helpare extra them the pack. motivated to help this species’ prospects for the future. It was especially challenging as the target audience range was, well, everybody. This led to a range of infographics being

PART 1b: Information Summary Sheet developed and the use of icons to help tell stories without some National Inanga Spawning Education Programme from Inanga/Whitebait whitebait of the bigger words needing to be read – so even the littlies get What • Where • Why • How Xstream about freshwater life something out of it. WHAT are inanga: ‘Whitebait’ is a collective term for the juvenile stage of the five New Zealand species of the fish PART 2a: Experience family Galaxiidae. ‘Inanga’ is the name for the National Inanga Spawning Educationadult Programme stage from of one of these five whitebait species Inanga/Whitebait whitebait – Galaxias maculatus. whitebait inanga Xstream about freshwaterInanga life is the smallest of our whitebait species, larvae eggs Finding natural spawning sites growing no longer than 110 mm. The whole syllabus was designed to fit with the existing Whitebait It’s the only species that can’t climb barriers – which resources. The feedback so far means it has a unique set of requirements for survival. WHEN TO LOOK: They are diadromous – meaning they live in marine Connection brand, so is instantly identifiable as one of their Nov Dec and freshwater environments. has been fantastic, and we are National Inanga Spawning Education Programme Inanga spawn mainly from late January–early June (peak levels whitebait Jan Feb Mar Apr in April). Eggs are laid over several days just after the new or full moon WHY do we care! Xstream about freshwater life (sometimes both). The tides are higher than normal at these times Inanga lifecycle looking forward to hearing more May Jun Jul Aug (they’re called spring tides) and spawning occurs 2–3 days after the high biodiversity = healthy ecosystem highest spring tides. You can use a moon phase calendar and local sea river Sep Oct tide tables to determine when spawning should occur. Before you start this looking for eggs, it’s best to visit a stream during a spring high tide toWhitebait Inanga feed on in the coming months as the ...everyone has lots to EAT! doesn’t seem mark the high tide water level on the river banks (it’s often much highermake their way invertebrates SUMMER fair!? than you imagine!) – look for eggs at low tide. from the sea whitebait Whitebait upriver. to a river. return to a river grow into programme is rolled out more Inanga

inanga SPRING Larvae grow extensively throughout the WHERE TO LOOK: into Whitebait

1. Distance from the sea Larvae hatch from eggs in AUTUMN Inanga spawning often occurs close to the upstream limit of 3–6 weeks Female yummy if it fits saltwater penetration – this is usually quite different to the limit Larvae at larvae Inanga come in my swept to sea little of the tide’s influence. This can be determined by testing the bottomsea feed on downriver to lay mouth I’m small crustaceans eggs on bank during fishies!!! WINTER eating it! water in the deepest part of the stream channel at high tide with a & grow into juveniles high ‘spring tides’* all photos © EOS Ecology salinity meter. Be aware that the extent of saltwater penetration cancalled whitebait. for males to fertilise. vary hugely from day to day, the bigger the tide, the further upriver the * SPRING TIDE – a tide just after a new or full moon, when there is the greatest difference between high & low water Whitebait Connection network saltwater will go. During their spawning season in late summer/autumn The six-month old juveniles (now called ‘whitebait’) female inanga will lay 1,500–3,000 eggs. They are tiny find their way to rivers in large groups/shoals by across New Zealand. – each egg being just 0.8–1.25 mm in size. smelling the freshwater. They swim upriver, but are After a month they will hatch into 7 mm long larvae. weak swimmers and can’t climb up barriers e.g., LARVAE SPAWNING ADULT rapids, waterfalls/weirs/culverts etc. Most of the HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT For the first week they feed on their attached yolk sac, then they start to feed on small plants and animals. whitebait don’t survive this journey as they starve, get the love They head out to sea for up to six months. Having lots eaten by predators or are caught by whitebaiters. zone! of larvae and sending them out to sea is the inanga They mature into adults in the river for about six version of “not putting all your eggs in one basket” months. They are ready to head back downstream i.e., if bad things happen then they won’t all be lost. and lay their own eggs (spawn) after a year.

SUPPORTED BY: All photos & diagrams are © of EOS Ecology unless otherwise specified & cannot be used by any other party without written consent. whitebait sea river

Xstream about freshwater life notice how small the spawning habitat is!

Kirsty & shelley making ‘whitebait connections’

Brennan and Shelley McMurtrie worked with 16 schools in 2016 to increase understanding of As newly minted ‘Whitebait Connection Coordinators’ for Canterbury, EOS Ecology’s Kirsty

whitebait and their habitats through hands-on scientific investigations.

magic“Our work happens. with InvolvingWhitebait our Connection younger takesgeneration us into is the a crucial classroom part ofto creatingintroduce positive freshwater actions topics for ourand waterways,”then out into the field where the real

said Kirsty. Trust, aiming to connect schools with their freshwater environments to foster action and kaitiakitangaThe Whitebait for Connection them. is a programme developed by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Find out more at www.whitebaitconnection.co.nz at Lyttelton Primary School. Shelley & Kirsty setting up a whitebait tank 12 Peerf ct blend of science & design COMBINING TO ENGAGE

Banks Peninsula streams are home to some Banks Peninsula DEVELOPED BY: unique invertebrates, but like many of our streams, are under pressure from land Freshwater invertebrate use. In a bid to improve knowledge and identification chart FUNDED BY: engagement of local communities with their streams, we developed a Banks Peninsula

Freshwaterit easy for people Invertebrate to identify Identification exactly what Chart (fundedbiota is living by Brian in their Mason streams, Trust) and to make help ensure their future preservation. The chart includes all key freshwater invertebrate

out which ones are unique to Banks Peninsula. “It’s agroups good illustrationfound in New of theZealand perfect streams, blend ofand scientists points

and designers working together. The drawings were Hmmm, you might be looking at an invertebrate who has sadly lost a leg or two...or...maybe you’ve discovered a identifying features for easy ID. The ID decisions are whole new species! produced in-house and designed to focus on specific said Bronwyn Gay, Senior Designer at EOS Ecology. presented in an easy-to-follow flow chart format,” The charts are available as A0 wall charts, and as If what you’re looking at isn’t here, check out the ‘can’t tell’ section in been through Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, case it’s hiding in there! ‘field-ready’ A3 waterproof charts. Distribution has

Banks Peninsula Zone Committee, and local schools. Contact us at [email protected] to get your own local ID chart designed – or download a smaller version of this one from our website.

The line drawings were produced in-house including this cute lil’ net wing midge larvae which is only found on Banks Peninsula.

FUnDED By: field & lab kit STUDENTS as ‘Nature Agents’ for banks peninsula schools Quantity Category EOS ECOLOGY TO YOU BY Item 1 Water Quality BROUGHT 3 Water Quality 1 Water clarity tube & carry case

2 Glass spirit thermometer 1 pack of 200 Water Quality 1 pack of 2 Stream Habitat 3 Universal pH indicator strips 1-14 Steel ruler – 600mm and 300mm 1 Stream Habitat Streams on Banks Peninsula will soon receive the close, 4 1 Stream Habitat 5 Gravelometer 21 1 Invertebrates 6 Densiometer* 12 Invertebrates 7 Aquatic kicknet 16 Invertebrates 8 Blunt steel forceps careful attention of local children as the six local schools 16 9 Paint brushes 10 Invertebrates Small invertebrate sorting trays 10 5 Invertebrates 5 (ice cube trays) Large invertebrate sorting trays 15 20 Invertebrates 1 11 (6L tote tray) 5 Invertebrates 2 11 12 Petri dishes – 90mm diameter 20 10 Invertebrates 13 Elkay containers 1 Invertebrates 19 14 Hand magnifier glass 75mm Little River School receiving 7 1 Invertebrates 15 Microscope

10 16 Invertebrate ID chart 1 pack All 4 Check, clean, dry kit – poster, All 6 17 stickers, pamphlet, squirt bottle 1 pack of 200 18 3 All A4 waterproof paper* sign up to be ‘Nature Agents’. 13 18 9 3 All 14 19 A4 datasheets* local invert ID charts. Clipboard 1 All 17 20 12 Plastic storage tub 80L 21 * Not available until Nature Agents programme funded. their ‘Nature Agents’ kit & 8 kitsWith which support students from the will B useayer to Primary monitor School water Science quality, Fundstream habitatwe developed and invertebrates and designed in atheir programme local waterway. with field They and also lab received copies of the Banks Peninsula Freshwater Invertebrate (see above) to put on their classroom wall and

Identification Chart take into the field.

stream“We developed condition. the This programme means that in such not only a way do that they the gain monitoring a bettermethods understanding are comparable of their to scientific environment, methods but of they measuring also get to

experience what it is like to collect information in a scientific way, and their data collected can be used more widely,” said Kirsty. 13 FROM THE ENGAGEMENT & comms TEAM even the technical can be user-friendly

through a major port recovery and redevelopment phaseLyttelton of an Port important of Christchurch construction (LPC) and is progressing development project, for which the possible environmental impacts must be well managed. LPC need all contractors working on their property to be able to easily The separate understand their responsibilities and working sections used loop procedures. To assist with this they tasked us to staples so they could be easily removed from redesign the Construction Environmental Management the folder for ease of use. Plan Manual, the bible which all contractors must use for every project – major or minor. A physical desktop folder was needed to allow project managers

manual or digital project plans. A colour-coding system was appliedeasy reference to separate to detailed technical information sections that when could filling be outeasily either An icon & removed from the folder for ease of use. Maps and diagrams were colour-coding developed for a consistent overview of the affected project areas system were which were simple to understand and employ. designed to visually separate technical section topics.

accurateWe worked and with easy LPC to follow. and scientists The end from result different was a user-friendly fields to ensure technicalthe interpretation document of that the originalstill retained written/technical LPC brand elements content and was

fitted with their future-focused body of corporate documents.

Simple overlay maps were developed so key landscape features could be easily distinguished. Consistent map scales were used across sections so there was visual consistency between technical sections.

content it was important to breakWith such it up a with large imagery body of technical where appropriate. and diagrams/charts

14 how your information looks DOES matter

engagement work we’d been developing with FINALIST 2015 SCANZ Excellence in We were pretty proud when the body of public Science Communication Awards

Sciencethe Cashmere Communication Stream Care Awards. Group It’s (CSCG) always was niceshort-listed when your as a hard finalist work atKEY the THREATSis recognised... last SCANZ to the future health of Cashmere Stream CASHMERE STREAM 1. SUSPENDED SEDIMENT 2. MoDIfIED CHANNEL HAbITAT – Encroaching urban development results in the loss of natural floodplains, flooding Suspended sediment in the water Main issues with the existing stretch but more important to us is the effective concerns for adjacent properties, and is the single most important issue of manmade channel upstream of reduced ability for the stream to ‘self- An uRbAn facing Cashmere Stream due to: Penruddock Rise include: cleanse’ (when a stream floods into – Impacts on its visual appeal. – Lack of native plant cover on the stream adjacent land where slowing water allows AQuATIC SAnCTuARy – Impacts the aquatic life in the stream. edge leads to excessive growth of sediment to drop out of suspension.) Remaining species may be severely mostly exotic aquatic plants that require compromised, e.g., silt causing reduction maintenance several times a year. 3. UrbAN DEvELoPMENT in food quality and fertilisation success for – Lack of instream cover (e.g., logs, woody Increasing urban development brings kakahi/freshwater mussels. debris, rocks) vital for aquatic life to additional pressures to Cashmere Cashmere Stream is an urban-fringe waterway It’s considered an important waterway as it – Effects not limited to Cashmere Stream breed and feed around. Stream. The most critical aspects located in southwest Christchurch. It’s a tributary supports a diversity of aquatic life which is rare in – because the sediment is so fine and – Sameness of channel habitat leads to of the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho and meanders New Zealand urban streams e.g., kōura/freshwater stays in suspension it also impacts on relate to: fewer refuge areas for aquatic life during along the northern base of the Port Hills. Rising crayfish, kākāhi/freshwater mussels, bluegill bullies, the Heathcote River/Opawaho and the – Reduced water flows caused by hard from springs located west of Sutherlands Rd, longfin eels, inanga/whitebait and a range of Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai. floods, and an absence of suitable high profile CSCG has achieved with the localsurfaces and changes to spring flows. Cashmere Stream is only 4.9 km long, but caddisfly (freshwater insects). habitat types for some species. – Climate change may cause chance of – Increased sediment going into the stream is connected to nearly 50 km of drains and more severe storms which will cause – Deep fine sediment in the channel is a However, due to historic deterioration and ongoing during the construction phases. tributaries. CSCG are a passionate and proactivemore input of sediment from land runoffcommunity source of suspended sediment during pressures from development in the catchment, from grazed areas on the Port Hills and low flows and is a poor habitat for – Ensuring extra stormwater created by Unlike many waterways in Christchurch it consists the existing state of the river is a poor reflection urban areas. aquatic life. development is appropriately treated. the community/authorities. of rural land and residential areas, with over half of what it would have been prior to European group, and we’re pleased that we are able to continue the catchment draining from the Port Hills. settlement – and what it could be in the future. stream SOLUTIONS & FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS We invite you to newsletter from Cashmere stream Care GroUP (CsCG) – Where aquatic plant growth is choking – Ensure sediment control requirements/ 1. rEDUCE SEDIMENT INPUTS aUGUst 2014 to help them educate the local communitythe channel plantabout native canopy trees on therules are strictly adhered to during the 1. Fence and plant-out hill tributaries. help to make the northern bank. construction phase. 2. Transform lower reaches of Hoon Hay – Protect the existing areas of coarser – Use of Low Impact Urban Design Valley and Worsleys Drains into shallow, substrate. (LIUD) features in developments in it happen wide wetlands. environmental issues dogging Cashmere– Add woodyStream, debris to parts of the channel andthe catchment that effectively reduce 3. Encourage native planting of steeper and in sediment What the What’s that are silted. the amount of rain runoff entering the most erodible valleys in the catchment. – Allow leaf litter and organic debris to stormwater network. this in the CsCGs next 4. Fence off remaining tributaries on the flat accumulate around instream features. What we’ve been What’s next... issue: stream been doing ... and parts of the mainstem. – Create large integrated stormwater further support their efforts to try and right– Look at options for the theperched culvert atcurrent treatment systems rather than many 5. Where flooding is a concern, reshape • We’d like to hear from anyone wanting to be Sutherlands Road. smaller individual systems. doing: the banks to allow for a narrow low flow part of the CSCG. We would benefit from an channel but a wider upper flood area. – Reconnect the river with its floodplain. – Buildings and hard surfaces must be kept • Reviewed and updated the action plan for the additional one or two active members. 6. Establish a buffer zone of vegetation – Look at options to create depositional well away from the source of Cashmere group. wrongs by lobbying local government.along the stream channels in the forestry areas within the channel. Stream, and it should be planted with • We invite anyone who is interested in blocks that will remain following logging. native canopy trees to shade it and keep 3. rEDUCE IMPACTS of • ECan has kindly donated six sets of water clarity assisting with our stream monitoring Our Dirty Little 7. Remove sediment from tributaries on the water temperatures down. UrbANISATIoN monitoring equipment – so we developed a flat and consider removing from the main programme to contact us by email on

stem where sediment is deepest. – Require that urban developments in the 4. GET INvoLvED water clarity monitoring programme. It consists [email protected]. – Get involved in local stream care groups (not-so-secret) Secret construction phase do not have exposed of 25 sampling sites throughout the catchment, • We would like to hear from catchment The CSCG committee has a number2. IMProvE HAbITAT of environmentalsoil during the winter months. and stream planting days. Go to and a focus on stormwater runoff from www.ecan.govt.nz/GET-INVOLVED to see landowners about their concerns regarding – Investigate effectiveness of current – Ensure hill developments use storm-water developments. The sight of Cashmere Stream’s dirty brown water entering, and discolouring, aquatic plant and bank vegetation how you can participate. impacts on the stream, and if they are interested treatment systems that actively trap the much clearer Heathcote River at the Cracroft confluence is an maintenance activities. sediment particles and/or use flocculants – Get involved in the Resource Consent • Recruiting locals (including a local school and in rehabilitation of stream margins on their land. Tuna/ embarrassing reminder that all is not well in the Cashmere catchment. – Create a more naturalised stream channel or other technology to remove sediment process by making a submission on any Girl Guides) to be part of the water clarity experts on board, and their respected professional longfin eel • We will make a submission on behalf of the The unseasonably large amount of rain since January emphasises that these if realigning further sections of the Stream. from the water. land development. monitoring programme. CSCG at the hearing on the development at heavy rain events can affect us at any time of the year. Those affected by This is a summary of an EOS • Taken a significant number of photos the corner of Hendersons Rd and Lincoln Rd, the June 2013 and February 2014 flooding need little reminding. CASHMERE STREAM CHAIRMAN: Ken Rouse Ecology report commissioned COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Shelley McMurtrie, Ken Rouse, Gordon Rudd, Robin Smith, David West demonstrating “the good, the bad and the ugly” which has been designated for residential opinions are well supported by CaARE GROUPcredible body of by Environment Canterbury Why does the problem appear to be getting water naturally backs up into the Cashmere CONTACT DETAILS: [email protected] within catchment tributaries, and followed up development. (CSCG) Design: EOS Ecology – Aquatic Science & Visual Communication, www.eosecology.co.nz which can be downloaded from worse? The answer lies in a combination of catchment from the Heathcote River, with letters to parties concerned. Kōura/ cleanwaterways.org.nz/studies.html freshwater crayfish natural and man-made factors. More than thereby holding back floodwaters in • Met with ECan and the CCC to understand their the total annual rainfall for Christchurch Cashmere Stream. But there are man- public communications work. has already fallen, with more than four made problems too. There is a significant role in the management of Cashmere Stream. months of the year remaining. The earth- amount of erosion-prone rural land in • Met with some landowners to learn about plans quake is believed to have reduced the fall the catchment where land development for their land. of the Cashmere Stream and Heathcote exacerbates sediment runoff. This is River between Sutherland’s Rd and the particularly evident in the Hoon Hay Valley • Putting together presentation for the local water Heathcote Estuary. In heavy rain events, and Worsleys Rd hill catchments. In the overly visual world we currently live in, it’s Zone Committee August meeting. • Held a water clarity measurement training session for volunteers helping with our monitoring programme.

listen to what you are trying to tell them – especially KEY HABITATS IN CASHMERE STREAM Kakahi/freshwaterKākāhi/freshwater mussels Kōura/freshwater crayfish Cashmere stream Chairman: Ken rouse & what lives there Cashmere stream Care Group Committee members: shelley mcmurtrie, Ken rouse, Gordon rudd, robin smith, David West difficult to get people to stop and take the time to ContaCt DetaiLs: [email protected] enters the clear (CsCG) newsletter Design: eos ecology – aquatic science & Visual Communication, www.eosecology.co.nz when the topic isn’t ‘sexy’. If you want people to heathcote river

CASHMERE STREAM 13 april 2014 West Photo: Dave CATCHMENT BOUNDARY HOON HAY 4 the stream take you seriously and be considered credible and The biggest freshwater bivalve found in NZ. Mature Today there are few urban streams in Christchurch that adults grow up 10 cm in length.They have an important still support kōura. The remaining populations are mainly role in regulating instream water quality, nutrient and found in rural areas. Cashmere Stream is still a hotspot sediment dynamics. They generally prefer sand and for freshwater crayfish, particularly in the middle reaches gravel substrate and are a good indicator of stream where the tall earth banks make for good burrow habitat, health in soft-bottomed systems because they are and the abundant macrophytes provide cover from Halswell Rd health in soft-bottomed systems because they are Hendersons Rd sensitive to habitat degradation and pollution. predators.

Sparks Rd organisation is of major importance. Ensuring that all Cashmere Rd Coarser stream floor professional, then the way you present yourself/your habitat sections your communications are well thought-out, written, CASHMERE STREAM HALSWELL WESTMORLAND

Sutherlands Rd springs designed and produced ensures that the information coarser gravels on stream floor Predominant instream habitat white arrows indicate Hoon Hay Valley Rd Worsleys Rd you’re imparting is better received, has better cut- downstream flow direction Cashmere Rd Stream habitat sections with example of instream debris overhanging vegetation through, and can hopefully grab peoples attention. silty bottom of a ‘run’ habitat The aim is to leave a lasting impression – and hopefully upland bully caddisfly Bluegill bullies The Stream sections which have a coarser substrate on macrophytes shortfin eel example of overhanging vegetation the bottom and instream debris (e.g., logs and rocks) are located near the springfed source of Cashmere Stream, downstream of Ballentines Drain, and at the Cashmere Rd bridge. It is likely that the areas of coarser substrate in the original channel alignment are Bluegill bullies can only be found in the riffle (fast flowing remnant of a once wider gravel habitat in the Stream. The exception is at the Cashmere Rd bridge, where section of water with a disturbed surface) by Cashmere brown trout juveniles common bully caddisfly Rd bridge.They require clean gravel substrate and fast the coarse substrate may have been added during flowing clear water. the original construction of the bridge. Regardless of The Stream consists mainly of ‘run’ habitat (section of their origin, these gravel sections now represent a rare stream that flows with little ripple of the water’s surface) habitat in the Stream and support aquatic life that’s and a soft bottom of mud and/or sand. This is partly due Upland bullies found nowhere else in the catchment. They are therefore Invasive fish pose a major desire threat to the health to and integrityfind of freshwater out ecosystems more, globally. and get involved. to the fact that the upper 3 km was originally dug out as regarded as habitats of significant value. a drainage channel – meaning the bottom reflects the longfin eel inaga/whitebait

By definition, they reproduce and disperse rapidly, are capable of tolerating a wide range of underlying soil structure. Almost half of the length of the New ZealaNd New Stream has MODERATE layers of deposited silt (1–10 environmental conditions, and quickly reach very high numbers often dominating the biomass of Fish communities are best in those areas with good bank cm deep), almost 30% of the stream has HEAVY layers cover (overhanging vegetation) and good instream cover ORIGINAL EOS ECOLOGY REPORT REFERENCE: fish present. Through their feeding and other activities they can adversely affect water quality and of deposited silt (11–30 cm deep) and 8% has SEVERE McMurtrie, S. & James, A. 2013. Cashmere Stream – Reducing the (macrophytes or a coarser substrate). This is because a levels of deposited silt (30+ cm deep), including three Pressures to Improve the State. EOS Ecology, Christchurch, New Zealand. native species, contributing to the degraded and depauperate state of freshwater ecosystems. silty or sandy substrate clear of any overhanging cover or Follow CSCG online at locations where silt depth is 50–85 cm deep. EOS Ecology Report No. 10049-ENV01-01, instream cover (submerged logs, debris, aquatic plants) Environment Canterbury Report No. R13/20. 50 p. New Zealand has not escaped this plight, with several introduced fish now widespread around the In the Stream sections where there are underwater plants provides little fish cover or stable habitat for spawning (macrophytes) you will find shortfin eels, common bullies Widespread distribution in the Streaam. The only fish (e.g., for bullies). The threatened longfin eel is particularly © All photographs and maps in this country, particularly in northern New Zealand. Managing and monitoring invasive freshwater fish is and caddisflies. Shortfin eels can also burrow into soft found upstream of the perched culvert at Sutherlands Rd publication are copyright of EOS Ecology dependent on good cover to hide in (undercut banks, or the credited photographer; they may sediment for cover. which is a barrier to other species. a challenge that requires involvementwww.facebook.com/CashmereStreamCareGroup of multiple agencies and use of multiple tools for control, overhanging vegetation, or submerged logs). not be used without written permission.

eradication and surveillance. This handbook represents a joint initiative between the Department of Conservation and The University of Waikato’s Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand (LERNZ)

research programme, part of which focussed on invasive fish management. The handbook provides an 2 CASHMERE STREAM CARE gRoup CASHMERE STREAM – An uRbAn AQuATIC SAnCTuARy 3

up-to-date analysis of the impacts of key invasive fish, statutory responsibilities of different agencies, Handbook Management Fish Invasive approaches to control, eradication and surveillance, and ways to assess invasion risk including an analysis of human perceptions and awareness. It will provide a key reference for those involved in invasive fish management, as well as a resource for policy makers, students and the interested public.

New ZealaNd ManagementInvasive Handbook Fish

2.1 New Zealand Invasive Fish Species HELPING PROMOTE

biology: Introduction Koi carp spend their entire life in freshwater, preferring still lakes, ponds and wetlands where they are often seen on warm sunny days near the water surface. In New Zealand, they most The following section summarises current knowledge on the identification, distribution, biology and commonly inhabit slow-flowing downstream reaches of large rivers with associatededited backwaters, by PEST CONTROL floodplain wetlands and lakes, as far down as river deltas (Hicks & LingKevin 2015). J They Collier tend &to do less well ecology of the eight focal introduced fish species. Distribution maps for each species show records from Natasha PJ Grainger 1985 to 2015 from the New Zealand Freshwater Fish database and held on The University of waikato’s in deeper lakes and impoundments (Jackson within rivers systems (e.g. mean of 39 km in the waikato River), initiated by spawning behaviour and leRNZdb database. a detailed analysis of water temperature tolerances and preferences is provided et al. 2010). Koi carp can undertake extensive movements in Table 7.2. changes in river flow which influence connectivity with lateral habitats (Daniel From about 100 mm total length koi carp switch from feeding on zooplankton to becoming opportunistic benthic omnivores feeding on invertebrates (including chironomids, annelids, amphipodset al. 2011). and odonates), seeds, detritus, and the spawn and juveniles of other fish (Weber & Brown 2009). They suck up It was a pleasure to work with sediments, sift out organic matter leaving distinctive ‘pockmarks’ in the sediment, and then eject the remaining material into the water. adult carp forage in warmer shallower waters in summer but Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio overwinter in large aggregations in deeper water (Hicks & ling 2015). ) Koi carp move into interconnected shallow lakes, floodplains and wetlands in spring and summer where they congregate to spawn in shallow, weedy areas. Spawning typically occurs when water temperature iDenTiFiCaTion: is above 16ºC (Scott & Crossman 1973). Photoperiod is also an important regulator of spawning, but appears secondary to temperature. Females actively scatter eggs over vegetation and males fertilise colours of orange, black,Blotchy red and/ or white. Two small barbels at them externally. Eggs hatch after about a week and juveniles develop in shallow floodplains and marshes Kevin Collier (University of Waikato) (Tempero et al. each corner of the mouth. Origin 2006; Hicks & ling 2015). Spawning can extend for up to eight months from September of dorsal fin is in front of pelvic through to april under favourable conditions (Tempero fin. Large scales and less than 30 flooding, and multiple protracted spawning events can occur (Weber & Brown 2009). Waikato River et al. 2006). Spawning success is related to spring and Natasha Grainger (Department gill rakers. Koi and goldfish may populations of feral koi carp contained females that spawned once, and females that had the potential out their Invasive Fish Management interbreed; first generation hybrids to spawn repeatedly within one season (Tempero 44 running-ripe females from the waikato was 299,000 oocytes (±195,600 Sd;range 29,800–771,000). have drab coloration, one pair of et al. 2006). Mean total fecundity calculated from of Conservation) designing and laying barbels and 30–50 gill rakers, but Males typically mature at two years of age (c.250 mm long) and females at three years of age. Handbook. subsequent generations of hybrids New Zealand koi carp reach maximum length of c.600 mm by age 12 but males appear to rarely live may be highly variable. longer than eight years (Tempero et al. collected from the lower waikato River, 2006).but they No haveferal beenkoi carp reported older tothan live 12 for years much of longerage were than this ISBN Print 978-0-473-33071-2 / PDF 978-0-473-33072-9 in captivity. The combination of early maturation, rapid growth and ecological and trophic plasticity inTroDuCTion: means koi carp populations can attain extremely high biomass (weber & Brown 2009). Ensuring technical books like this are Koi carp, also known as european carp, Japanese koi, common carp or carp, probably arrived with goldfish in about the 1960s. They became established in ornamental ponds over the 1970–80s, and were environmenT first reported in the wild in the lower Waikato River during this time. al ToleranCeS: high turbidity, degraded water quality, andKoi salinitycarp are of tolerant 10‰ for of at low least oxygen three (as months low as and 15% up saturation), to 14‰ for short periods (Hicks & ling 2015). Fish are able to survive from near freezing water temperatures to up DiSTribuTion in new ZealanD: to 43ºC, although optimal temperatures for growth are 27–32ºC (see Table 7.2). waikato with isolated populations in the restwidespread of the North in Island. Not auckland and way through will hopefully encourage present in the South Island after eradication of an incursion in ponds around impa Nelson in 2001–03. CTS: McDowall (1990) described koi carp as the least desirable fish species in New Zealand because of their ability to degrade waterways by increasing the turbidity of water and disturbing the good to look at and easy to find your ecology of aquatic ecosystems. Hanchet (1990) undertook the first local risk assessment of koi carp a few more enthusiastic members of after their discovery in New Zealand, and concluded that they could affect aquatic vegetation and may destroy it entirely when they reach high densities (400 kg/ha). However, conservative biomass-impact assessments suggest that <50 kg/ha is ‘safe’ with variably significant impacts reported at biomass levels the public to become aware of issues in greater than this (Hicks & ling 2015; Vilizzi et al. SUGGe STed CITaTION FOR SeCTION 2.1: Koi carp are thought to pose the greatest ecological 2014). risk to shallow, warm, eutrophic and silty Fish Species. Section 2.1 in Collier KJ & GraingerCollier KJ,NPJ Grainger eds. New N Zealand2015. New Invasive Zealand Fish Invasive waterbodies. Their feeding actions resuspend benthic sediments and nutrients, and are associated their local environment. Management Handbook. l ake waikato) and d ecosystem Restoration New Zealand (leRNZ; The University of with a change from clear water to turbid states in lakes. Koi carp therefore act as nutrient pumps epartment of Conservation, Hamilton, New Zealand. Pp 8–22. by consuming nutrient-rich sediments and excreting bioavailable nutrients into the water column, potentially leading to elevated levels of chlorophyll Section 2.2). They rarely consume macrophytes directly but dislodge roots from fine sediment during a and cyanobacteria (Hicks & ling 2015; see also feeding and increase turbidity which attenuates light for macrophyte growth (weber & Brown 2009).

8 New Zealand Invasive Fish Management Handbook

Chapter 2 — Invasive Fish Species and Communities in New Zealand 9 15 0 0 9 9 8 8 7 7 06 06 9 9 FIELD & 5LA5BORATORY VITAL STATISTICS 84 84 0 7 7 03 03 9 6 62 8 59 59 81 84 8 9 7 3 4 42 45 09 0 8 4 5 BUGS counted 7 7 number of individual bugs counted in samples/sub-samples 1 July 2015–30 June 2016 03 036 90 1 9 5 6 6 26 8 59 59 4 7 7 7 7 89 87 13 96 6 6 6 04 84 20 0 samples processed 7 7 2 5 5 5 5 number of whole samples processed 1 July 2015–30 June 2016 13 93 39 1 6 26 81 4 4 4 4 5 5 40 73 3 3 3 0 5 31 64 14 64 209 52 2 2 2 fish rescued 2 5 number of fish rescued from waterways 1 July 2015–30 June 2016 23 73 39 61 1 1 1 2 81 40 0 0 0 04 37 1 0 35 69 9 9 9 02 01 69 02 0 cockles measured 2 15 number of cockles measured for estuary surveys over the last 8 years 93 92 17 41 1 4 70 7 8 8 0 93 7 7 93 26 6 60 60 2 15 5 9 9 ENGAGEMENT5 5 1 04& EDU4 CATION VITAL STATISTICS 48 48 0 93 3 37 7 929 2 2 69 60 1 1 0 9 3 95 3545340 0 41 48 0 9 9 70 74 6 5 hours schools spent pest monitorinG 913 053 79 6 6 26 8 50 59 0 7 10 87 95 69 14 84 60 0 students in EOS-led education programmes 37 37 9 5 62 69 7 41 2 2 48 7 15 35 2 83 4 4 93 26 0 4 23 59 v oLUNTEEr hours spent on whaka Īnaka 93 53 40 01 2 2 1 04 04 37 1 4 39 69 0 5 09 02 students attendED world fish migration day 2 15 9 6 1 41 4 70 0 93 93 26 2 15 1 04 0 3 9 EOS ecology | AQUATIC SCIENCE & VISUAL COMMUNICATION www.eosecology.co.nz9 2 | PO Box 4262, Christchurch 8140, P 03 389 0538 | PO Box 8054, Palmerston North 4446, P 06 358 9566 | [email protected] ECOLOGY 1 0 9