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Home / The Country

‘Several thousand’ dead eels found in stream near Mataura, Southland

Otago Daily Times
20 Feb, 2024 05:38 AMQuick Read

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Canterbury fires under control as crews start to wind back, why some police stations may have to close and Chlöe Swarbrick makes moves in the latest NZ Herald headlines.

Thousands of dead eels have been found in a stream near Mataura in Southland.

Environment Southland said its compliance and science teams investigated after a report of dead eels in the Low Burn Stream.

Thousands of dead eels have been found in the Low Burn Stream near Mataura. Photo / Environment Southland
Thousands of dead eels have been found in the Low Burn Stream near Mataura. Photo / Environment Southland

Compliance manager Donna Ferguson said the team estimates there were several thousand dead eels over about a 10km distance.

“Our staff have spent extensive time out investigating any potential causes and we have identified one potential source.

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“We have sent a suite of samples away for testing and will continue to look for further evidence.”

It was likely people would continue to see dead eels as the bodies made their way down the waterway and into the Mataura River.

Thousands of dead eels have been found in a stream near Mataura in Southland. Photo / Environment Southland
Thousands of dead eels have been found in a stream near Mataura in Southland. Photo / Environment Southland

“We know the deaths of these eels and other stream life in the area will be distressing. This is an active investigation and our teams are working hard to establish the cause.”

People were asked to avoid contact with the water and report any further eel deaths to the compliance team on 0800 76 88 45.

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