Protected eels killed

Protected eels, one more than 100 years old, have been illegally caught and killed at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park.

Department of Conservation ranger Paul Gasson said nine native eels were found dead on the shores of West Bay. One eel had a fish hook in its throat, and others had injuries that appeared to have been caused by fish hooks.

Mr Gasson said they were believed to be the longest-living eels in the world. "Our native long-finned eels are declining in number and are classified as a threatened species. Eels develop more slowly in the lake's icy waters and as a result have been known to live up to 106 years."