In an experimental project to improve fish health and reduce sediment loads to Southland's estuaries, Environment Southland scientists are trialling a staggered approach to drain clearing on a tributary of the Waihopai River.
This involves removing weeds and sediment from parts of the stream, leaving weedy patches as refuge habitat for fish, and to trap sediment. This week, scientists used fyke nets to catch fish and assess their numbers and health in parts of the stream that were partially cleared last year.
Freshwater and marine scientist James Dare and Environmental technical officer Wendy Barrow inspect a fyke net for fish and other animals they have pulled out of a tributary of the Waihopai River.
Freshwater crayfish (koura), brown trout and longfin eel were among some of the species caught.
The larger fish were weighed and assessed for fat content using a Distell Fat Meter.