[Māori and other eel experts meet in Whanganui this month to talk about how to protect tuna as a taonga and resource.
The second National Tuna Conference is in the Whanganui War Memorial Centre on July 17 and 18. Local speakers include Gerrard Albert, Ken Mair and Ben Potaka.
National ones include the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright.
Attendees will include iwi Māori, scientists, landscape designer and ecologist Cheri van Schravendijk-Goodman, politicians and commercial eel fishers.
The aim is to bring tuna (eel) 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, 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 may 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 Māori Trust, which is chaired by Mr Mair.