Methods

Fyke netting, electric fishing, and spotlighting were all used to assess instream fishery values
within the Parapara River, and Glen Gyle Creek (tributary), within areas likely to be affected
by the proposed scheme.

Eight fine meshed fyke nets, baited with marmite, were set overnight. Seven were set within
the mainstem Parapara, from 150 metres upstream of the gorge outlet down to the confluence
with Glen Gyle Creek. Access difficulties, precluded fyke nets being set further upstream into
the gorge. One fyke net was also set within Glen Gyle Stream.

Spotlighting was undertaken from as far up into the gorge as night-time foot access would
allow (50 metres), down to 150 metres below the Glen Gyle Stream confluence. The lower
100 metres of Glen Gyle Stream was also spotlighted. Less than 5% of the lower gorge
habitat represented suitable shortjaw kokopu habitat due to the high gradient nature of the area
(R. Barrier pers. obs.).

Single pass electric fishing was undertaken 1 km upstream of the gorge outlet over an area of
around 60 m2, to detail fish species present and their relative abundance. Electric fishing was
undertaken in this location as it represented the most suitable looking native fish habitat
encountered within the lower 1 km of the gorge. Single pass spot electric fishing of limited
suitable habitat available was also undertaken from this point down to the gorge outlet, and
would have covered an additional area of 70 m2 in total. Single pass electric fishing only was
undertaken for comparison with earlier single pass electric fishing undertaken above the gorge
(Deans 2003). A standard Kainga 300 backpack electric fishing machine was used.

Invertebrate sampling was also undertaken 1 km up into the gorge (site 1) at the top of the
survey reach, and also at a lower point 300 metres from the gorge outlet (site 2). Invertebrates
were collected using 3 quantitative surber samples and 1 kicknet sample at each of the two
sites. Two single kick net samples were also taken, one near the confluence of Glen Gyle
Stream, and another approximately 200 metres up the Glen Gyle Stream. Further invertebrate
samples were collected by the applicant’s hydrologist Tony Hewitt on 09/07/04 at Richmond
Flat from the lower gradient river section immediately upstream of the present dam and
proposed intake site, and downstream of this site below the dam within the top of the gorge.
Invertebrate samples were processed and analysed by the Cawthron Institute.

An inflatable boat, chest waders, and rock scrambling/climbing skills enabled the survey team
to penetrate the lower gorge. Access to the area is difficult and dangerous, precluding nighttime
spotlighting without the benefit of overnight camping within the gorge.

Fish & Game New Zealand Nelson Marlborough Region Sports Fish and Game Bird Management ...p16