Fish passage is crucial in Aotearoa due to our country’s unique aquatic ecosystems and diverse fish species, many of which have specific migratory needs for spawning and feeding. The ability for fish to navigate natural and man-made barriers, such as dams and culverts, is essential for maintaining healthy fish populations and biodiversity. Our services in fish passage management are designed to promote sustainable aquatic ecosystems and enhance the movement of fish across barriers.
We offer expert fish passage design, creating tailored solutions that consider the specific needs of local species and their habitats. Our team conducts thorough reviews of fish passage plans, often in a resource consenting context, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and best practices for effectiveness. We also provide innovative fish passage solutions that address existing barriers, helping to restore connectivity in waterways. We stay at the forefront of advancements in the field, applying the latest findings to improve our methodologies. Additionally, our fish barrier remediation services focus on identifying and mitigating obstacles that hinder fish migration, fostering healthier aquatic environments for future generations.
Fish Passage in Whakaraupō – a Ki Uta Ki Tai ApproachTe Hapū o Ngāti Wheke
EOS Ecology partnered with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke to establish a baseline for restoring fish passage in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, using a ki uta ki tai (mountains to sea) approach that integrates scientific analysis with Ngāti Wheke’s historical knowledge. This collaborative effort produced a holistic framework for prioritising fish passage remediation, blending Western science with cultural values to ensure that restoration efforts align with the long-term sustainability of fish populations and the values of mana whenua. The team developed a set of criteria with a scoring system, accounting for factors like mahinga kai value, waterway flow status, land protection, and landowner engagement to guide targeted restoration.
Through this approach, we compiled detailed data on fish passage barriers and other catchment characteristics, supported by multifactor GIS analysis and local insights. The prioritisation system not only assesses the feasibility of remediation in various subcatchments but also addresses ecological sustainability by incorporating conservation/land protection, land cover types, and flow permanency. By recognising areas that are best suited for sustainable fish habitats, our framework provides a strategic pathway for enhancing fish populations in Whakaraupō, grounded in both environmental science and cultural heritage.
As the study revealed gaps in information on fish species and habitat continuity, we also outlined next steps to refine prioritisation efforts further. This includes focused subcatchment surveys and discussions with mana whenua to ensure restoration aligns with both ecological and cultural aspirations. By offering a foundation for targeted interventions, our work sets the stage for ongoing, effective fish passage restoration and the protection of Whakaraupō’s freshwater biodiversity.
Ensuring Fish Passage Compliance for a Large Infrastructure ProjectTaranaki Regional Council
We was engaged by the Taranaki Regional Council to provide expert guidance on freshwater ecology for the Te Ara o Te Ata Mt Messenger Bypass project. Our work focuses on ensuring all construction activities comply with consent conditions designed to protect the region’s freshwater ecosystems. We have undertaken thorough technical reviews across a range of compliance areas, from water quality monitoring and ecological management plans to environmental incident reporting. Our ongoing involvement underscores our commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that responsibly coexist with Aotearoa’s unique natural environment.
A key aspect of our role is assessing culvert designs with a focus on fish passage, ensuring that essential waterways remain passable for native fish species despite road construction. The mountainous terrain and evolving fish distribution data have necessitated adjustments to culvert plans, and we have been instrumental in providing critical feedback on these changes. By overseeing the compliance of temporary and permanent fish passage solutions, we play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable infrastructure development within this sensitive landscape.
