Shortfin and longfin eels are an important resource from both a human/cultural use and biodiversity perspective. Throughout New Zealand they continue to support valuable customary, commercial, and recreational fisheries.
Worldwide eels are declining. Eels are exposed to a variety of pressures or threats at every stage of their life cycle.
Due to the fairly long life cycle of an eel the solutions we implement now may take decades before we see the results – however, everyone can do something to help – from being careful of what we dispose of via our drainage and stormwater systems to encouraging and helping local landowners to fence and plant the banks of waterways.
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Tuna - population concerns
As eels only spawn once before death, they require different management to other fish. -
Tuna - solutions: upstream passage for elvers at large barriers
The need to provide upstream passage facilities for ensuring the long term sustainability of migratory freshwater fish populations is now well recognised. -
Tuna - solutions: downstream passage for adult migrants at large barriers
Once eels reach sexual maturity they begin their downstream migration.