The Department of Conservation has netted more than 70 critically threatened endemic freshwater fish on a South Canterbury dairy farm.
Found only in Canterbury, the Kōwaro or Canterbury Mudfish was discovered at Craigmore Sustainables’ Somerset dairy farm south of Timaru.
The population of mudfish was found living in the farm’s irrigation spring, an ideal habitat, the DoC said, for mudfish because of the clean, clear water and the dense aquatic plant growth.
Following visits by DoC staff in April and May, the team netted 72 mudfish ranging in length from 77mm to 149mm.
Somerset business manager Alex Pattullo said the discovery follows the completion of a comprehensive waterway restoration project over the past two years.
“We have replaced the old diesel irrigation pump with a new electric pump to reduce risk of any chemical leaching or contamination and fenced the site to stock-proof it.
“In addition, more than 2760 native plants consisting of dry woodland shrubs and trees, as well as flax and reed plants have been planted at the water edge.
“This will ensure a regenerating native bush block around the site, providing shade, shelter and food for many native and endangered species,” Pattullo said.
A report by the DoC says the riparian planting is “extensive and has a variety of species”.
The report concludes that the composition of macrophytes (acquatic plants) in the water is diverse and representative of good water quality and stable hydrology, both good indications of habitat quality.
The water itself has excellent clarity, probably because it is spring-fed and largely free of stock, the report says,
Craigmore’s general manager of farming, Stuart Taylor, said the company regards it as a privilege and a serious responsibility to be entrusted to manage land, soils, water and other natural resources in New Zealand.
“Craigmore has a number of sustainability programmes in place to ensure we strike a balance between respecting the environment and running a sustainable and profitable rural operation.
“We strive to grow healthy and safe products while at the same time protect and enhance soil and water quality,” Taylor said.
“We’re committed to leaving the world in a better place and allow the generations that follow to continue to earn a living from the land.”
