Te Kūwaha and Māori

Once eels become migrants (also known as tuna heke or tuna whakaheke) they stop feeding, and progressively develop the external features that clearly distinguish them from 'feeders'.

All species of freshwater tuna spawn at sea, although the spawning grounds of only four species are known with certainty worldwide.

Easing the resource consent process

New Zealand's first eel farm was established in 1971. Despite other farms opening in later years, no eel farms remained by the start of the 1980s.

Instream barriers and diversions alter the natural flow of rivers, streams, and lakes.

Glass eels (about 5.5 to 7.0 cm) arrive in fresh water during spring, especially during September and October, although they may be present from July to December.

Some simple steps to minimise the effects of wastewater on water quality and mahinga kai.

Once in freshwater, glass eels develop into darker pigmented juvenile eels known as elvers.

Dry stock farms can cover large areas of hill-country grassland that may be steep and prone to erosion.

Māori have an extensive knowledge of the ecology of freshwater eels, and have maintained their customary fisheries for several centuries.

Impacts of mining on water quality and mahinga kai.

Commercial eel fishery in New Zealand began in earnest in the 1960s and expanded rapidly until the early 1970s