Early settlers named the whitebait species 'Galaxid', after the galaxy, as they thought that the spots on their backs looked like stars in the night sky.


Whitebait catch consists primarily of the young of three species: inanga, koaro and banded kokopu; inanga is by far the most commonly caught species.


Giant kokopu, short-jawed kokopu and smelt are also occasionally present in the whitebait catch along with the young of many other fish such as eels, bullies and trout.


Most whitebait species spend part of their life cycle in fresh water and part in the sea.  However, some have adapted to being landlocked in lakes and no longer have to migrate to the sea to breed e.g. dwarf inanga.

 

In late winter and early spring whitebait migrate back up rivers and streams, finally settling and growing in bush covered streams and swamps. The start of the migration is thought to be influenced by river flows (i.e. shortly after floods) and phases of the moon.

 

Mature inanga adults migrate downstream to lower river sections and estuaries to spawn in grasses covered by water during spring tides. The eggs remain in the grass until the next spring tide covers them again when the young hatch and are carried out to sea. The spawning habits of other whitebait species are not well known.

 

The five galaxiid species are found in many different habitats from lowland swamps to rocky streams. Their presence appears to be closely tied to overhead cover and waterside vegetation.

 

Giant kokopu live in swampy and heavily vegetated streams, often in pools over a mud bottom. Short-jawed kokopu, banded kokopu and koaro prefer fast flowing rocky or boulder bottomed streams with forest cover. Inanga are less "fussy" but are generally found in lower catchment waters.

 

One of the major problems affecting the whitebait fishery is the destruction of habitat for egg laying or adult fish. As whitebait adults tend to live in natural swamps and bush covered streams it is in the best interest of whitebaiters to ensure that adequate areas of these habitats remain.

 

The Department of Conservation has been active in identifying whitebait spawning habitat and arranging for its protection. Protection has involved seeking the co-operation of landowners to have spawning areas fenced off from stock. The Department sees the protection of whitebait spawning habitat as playing a major role in enhancing the lasting viability of the fishery.

 

Another major problem is barriers that stop young fish from getting to adult habitat.

 

Please note that whitebait are native fish and the giant and short-jawed kokopu are under threat in many areas!

 

Your assistance in keeping the whitebait fishery healthy not only benefits you, but the health of New Zealand's natural living systems. Don't take more than you need.

 


 

 

 

November 2004

Case Study - Paihia School Restoration Project

Paihia School is a decile 4 mainstream school situated in central Paihia, Bay of Islands, Northland.

It benefits from strong leadership and vision (Principal, David Rogers), is well-resourced and has a strong and capable teaching staff.

Approximately 60 students (two classes) of Paihia School have received programme introduction,

in-stream workshops and post-field trip advice on numerous occasions, since the school first adopted the Whitebait Connection Programme as an environmental learning/teaching tool in 2002.

Through initial stream investigation studies being conducted (2002-3) the potential to initiate a restoration project of a nearby stream was identified.

A couple of meetings were held with the principal and teacher (Denise Hadwin) to introduce the concept and ecological benefits of restoring the school stream, and also highlighting the potential for the students, school and wider community involvement.  The stream reach which is targeted for rehabilitation including weed eradication and riparian planting, is located on Paihia school property, which has the advantage of making this a more successful project.

After surveying the areas to be restored and addressing timeframe, methods and process, the project was given approval and gained commitment from school management.

In term one, 2004, two classes (Years 4-8) participated in stream studies, identifying habitats, sampling for macroinvertebrates and native fish species.

What has emerged from the classes involved in freshwater studies of their local stream environment has been the formation of a core group of 14 students who now make up the ‘Paihia School/WBC stream restoration group’.  This group was specifically selected by the school principal and senior teacher.

The following is a brief summary of the group learnings and past, present and future action being taken by the group:

 Students identify impacts on their ‘school stream’ which flows out of the Opua forest catchment (forest situated approximately 100 metres up stream) and into the main Paihia beach.  The Opua forest is a DoC managed area. The environmental issues identified so far are weed infestation, stormwater pipes, flood zone, plans to extend a public carpark which closely borders stream, floodgates downstream, and rubbish.
School management submit funding application (2003) to purchase native trees for riparian planting. The application is successful and planting by students of approximately 50 plants is completed. The school retains a small amount of funding to put towards future planting plans.
School and students contact FNDC representative (Harariwa Watene), Department of Conservation, and Paihia gardening club to inform of their plans and seek advice.
Paihia School/Whitebait Connection Action Group established – 14 students
Group roles and responsibilities are identified and discussed.  Positions are delegated through voting system.

Students identify and clarify group mission statement `To educate and inspire the Paihia community to take care of their streams and waterways’
Students conduct brainstorming session to gather ideas for plan.

WBC provide regular advisory/facilitation role with additional financial assistance from Far North District Council funding.
Students conduct research study on historical & cultural significance of local environment specifically related to freshwater. Information is sourced from long time local residents, parents and whanau, RSA, FNDC.
Students begin draft preparations for community awareness campaign to commence in term 1, 05’
Students prepare to present their findings and action plan to school and staff at weekly assembly (25.11.04)
 

Report written by:

 Ira Seitzer

Northland Facilitator

National Waterways/Whitebait Connection Programme
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