Maori and other eel experts meet in Whanganui this month to talk about how to protect tuna (eel) as a taonga and resource.
The second National Tuna Conference will be held at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre on July 17 and 18.
Local speakers include Gerrard Albert, Ken Mair and Ben Potaka while the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright will also speak. Attendees will include iwi Maori, scientists, landscape designer and ecologist Cheri van Schravendijk-Goodman, politicians and commercial eel fishers.
The aim is to bring tuna experts together to share skills and knowledge and influence national decision-making.
Mr Albert is the first speaker on day one, followed by Mr Mair. Dr Wright speaks at 11.40am that day. At 4.30pm there's a panel discussion, and a chance to quiz politicians about proposed freshwater policy.
After the information of the first day has been digested, a National Tuna Advisory Group might be formed on the second day.
The first National Tuna Conference was held at Hopuhopu in Waikato in 2014.
Both have been organised by the Te Wai Maori Trust, which is chaired by Mr Mair.