Native galaxiids have more protection after recent collaboration between Otago Regional Council (ORC), Otago Fish and Game Council and Kyeburn farmers.

The three groups carried out a trout translocation from Pisgah Creek, a tributary of the Kyeburn River to Coalpit Dam, east of Ranfurly, using a fish transportation unit last week. 

The work is part of a combined effort to protect numerous galaxiid species across Otago from extinction while maintaining healthy sports fisheries.

ORC’s team leader biodiversity Pete Ravenscroft said it was a good first step.

“Otago’s galaxiid population are fragmented and are continuing to disappear; without active management, including the removal of predators, their slide towards extinction will continue.

"We welcome the support of staff of Fish and Game, particularly their expertise in electric fishing and trout transfers.

“It's good to see the trout going to places where they will be available to anglers, rather than being simply euthanised on site.”

Central Otago roundhead galaxias. PHOTO: Supplied 

Otago Fish and Game chief executive Ian Hadland said Pisgah Creek was one of a small number of places where it’s necessary to intervene to separate predators from

the galaxiid population. 

“Translocating the trout away from sensitive galaxiid populations is an act of balancing both protection of rare native species and preserving a unique species of sports fish which anglers enjoy catching.

“Galaxiid species in Otago face threats on many fronts, including predation and habitat competition from salmonid, native predators such as eels, water abstraction, mechanical clearing of waterways and the discharge of contaminants.

 “Fish and Game wants to see the issues addressed as a whole to ensure the long-term survival of threatened species.”

ORC, with the support of the Kye Burn farmers, have removal programmes in place within four tributaries, including the recently opened galaxiid sanctuary in Spec Creek.

Brook trout is an introduced species of North American coldwater sports fish.

Ian said they were relatively rare across Otago, but are prolific in the streams they do occupy. 

The Central Otago roundhead galaxias, only found in Central Otago, has a restricted distribution occurring in some tributaries of the Taieri River and Manuherekia River catchments.

The Central Otago roundhead galaxias occupy relatively low gradient streams where they are at greater risk from introduced and native predators and the impacts of agriculture.

At these lower lying elevations there is less chance of a naturally occurring protective barrier to prevent the migration of invasive introduced species, which increases the galaxiids vulnerability to predation, competition and consequently disappearance.

Read more: Sanctuary for native fish to open.

Read more: Freshwater conservation flowing in Maniototo.