Results

Five species of freshwater fish were captured using the various survey techniques (Table 1).
Nine longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii), five koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis), five banded
kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) six shortjaw kokopu (Galaxias postvectis), sixteen unidentified
galaxiids and moderate numbers of redfin bullies (Gobiomorphus huttoni) were captured using
all three survey techniques. Freshwater crayfish and numerous freshwater shrimps were also
observed in the Parapara River below the gorge, and one freshwater crayfish was observed in
Glen Gyle Creek. Only longfin eels and koaro were observed in the gorge. Several crayfish
were also observed in a pool created by a seep within the gorge. Results of survey work are
appended in the freshwater fisheries database forms (Appendix 1).

Table 1: Fish species captured

Density of koaro captured within suitable fast flowing habitat within the gorge was estimated
to be 0.039 fish/m2 (Table 2). This compares to a density of 0.13 fish/m2 in the lower gradient
habitat previously fished above the gorge and dam. Both these density estimates will be lower
than true fish densities, as single pass electric fishing only was undertaken at both sites.
Nevertheless, they provide good comparative information between the two sites. Between 5-
20% of the area surveyed within the gorge was estimated to provide suitable fast flowing
habitat for koaro. The rest of the area surveyed comprised either pools or steep white water,
which is either less suitable or unable to be assessed for any fish species using electric fishing.

Fish & Game New Zealand Nelson Marlborough Region Sports Fish and Game Bird Management ...p18