Rope to help young eels into Lake Tutira

A length of mussel spat rope has been installed at a waterfall on Mahiaruhe Stream in an attempt to repopulate Lake Tutira with young eels.

The project, conducted by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and the Department of Conservation (DoC), was completed late last month in a bid to get young eels, known as elvers, into the lake.

HBRC and DoC science surveys have found plenty of elvers downstream of the waterfall in Waikoau Stream.

However, in the waterways around Ttira Lake there are only large, mature eels and no small eels.

HBRC said in a statement that the sheer waterfall on Mahiaruhe Stream is a significant barrier to eel migration into the lakes, as the steep ravine and 30m waterfall make their journey difficult.

It is hoped that the elvers will use the fibre of the rope, which is anchored down the side of the waterfall to climb up to the lake,

Avalon rope solution experts managed the installation of the rope as abseiling work was needed and Hoani Taurima from the local hap Ngati Kurumkihi and Tangoio marae, assisted with rope handling.

The cost of the work has been shared by HBRC and DoC.

"Elvers are remarkably good climbers and had been managing to make their way up the falls until 15 or 20 years ago, when either a single weather event or gradual erosion changed the shape of the waterfall enough to prevent even elvers from scaling the ravine and accessing the lake," said DoC Biodiversity ranger Matthew Brady.

Mr Taurima remembers his grandfather teaching him how to catch eels from an early age.

"It was just what you did it was important to help feed the whnau and guests at Tangoio marae, it's something I want our mokopuna to learn to do and for them to teach their mokopuna," Mr Taurima said.