Since autumn, kanakana/lamprey, have been migrating up the awa in Murihiku. Unfortunately over the past three years this tasty taonga has been found sick, with red skin markings (bruising/haemorrhaging), otherwise known as Lamprey Reddening Syndrome.
This year the rūnaka have been monitoring kanakana within our takiwā, with particular focus on the Aparima River. There has also been monitoring on the Waiau, where we have received help from a local.
While monitoring the Aparima River, we have discovered not only kanakana (one being a pouched adult male) but also bullies, freshwater prawns, pātiki/flounder, tuna, smelt, trout, a mallard duck (which got away) and a stoat (which didn’t get away).
Thanks to Iain, Angus, Ruairidh, Dene Cole and others who are helping to monitor the Aparima River, all of whom have enjoyed their time on the awa. We would also like to acknowledge the great work of whānau from other rūnaka, who have been involved in kanakana monitoring and research on other awa in Murihiku – particularly the whānau of the Waikawa River and Te Ao Nui/Mataura Falls.
If you see or catch any kanakana this season while whitebaiting or fishing, regardless of whether it’s healthy or unhealthy, our office would like to hear from you. If you would like to be involved in any future monitoring programmes please contact the office. Nā Dr Jane Kitson.
Affected kanakana.
Net full of kanakana on the Waiau River.