Glenariffe Stream fencing project underway

Fish & Game are still actively working to ensure the habitat for our game birds and sports fish are protected.

In recent years, North Canterbury Fish & Game staff have placed increased emphasis on the overall ecological health of the high-country salmon and trout spawning streams, including the wetlands and riparian zones in their catchments.

Right: Recently fenced section of the Glenariffe Stream showing stock exclusion and good riparian growth.

Staff have begun intensive in-stream monitoring, which provides a valuable opportunity to involve the landowners when gathering data, enabling long-term data sets to be collected for greater understanding of issues, and ensuring that protection and restoration projects can be discussed transparently when required.

The relationships that have been developed with these landowners are critical to protect these sensitive streams.

A gradual decline in stream catchments reduces the spawning and rearing habitat capacity and quality. 

Glenariffe Stream is a significant salmon and trout spawning tributary in the Rakaia headwaters.

Over recent decades there has been significant pasture development in the catchment, primarily for sheep and beef.

Over the last few years staff have worked with the three landowners bordering Glenariffe Stream and its tributaries, with most areas now protected from stock access, with further plans to restore wetland areas of importance.

A recent fencing project has just been completed, funded by the landowner along with Fish & Game.

The North Canterbury Fish & Game Council would like to thank Ellesmere College for their donation to help fund this fence.

Fish & Game hope to find an opportunity to arrange a site visit for some of the school children that helped raise the funds to support this project so that they first hand can see its benefits, and better appreciate why these scenic and sensitive high country spring creek environments are so important for our wild salmon populations.