Mitigation

Here are some simple steps to minimise the effects of riparian vegetation loss on water quality and mahinga kai.

• Avoid damaging existing riparian vegetation and stream banks as these complex habitats are not easy to reconstruct and it may take decades before the habitat recovers, even with replanting.
• Fence waterways to prevent stock from damaging riparian vegetation.
• Maintaining, restoring, and enhancing a vegetated riparian buffer can greatly reduce the damaging effects of surrounding land use practices as well as preserve spawning grounds and shoaling habitats for mahinga kai. Wetland areas and native planting also create refuge areas, lower water temperature, and provide a food source of invertebrates for mahinga kai species.

Find out more about riparian vegetation (PDF 105 KB)

Find out about industry or land-use specific mitigation options on the corresponding activity or industry page