The distribution and abundance of selected native fish species, derived
from the New Zealand Freshwater Fisheries database (July 2002), are shown
in the maps below.
The Motueka has a moderately diverse range of native fish species (as a
function of the diversity of habitats and relatively unpolluted water)
with 14 of New Zealand's approximately 40 native fish species.
These include three migratory (ko-aro, giant ko-kopu, inanga) and two
non-migratory (Canterbury galaxias, dwarf galaxias) galaxiids, common
smelt, three migratory (bluegill, redfin, common) and one non-migratory
(upland) bully, torrentfish, two eels (longfin and shortfin), and the
lamprey. Five estuarine and marine species (black flounder, kahawai,
yellow-eyed mullet, stargazer, cockabully) have also been reported in
lower reaches of the river.Non-migratory species such as the dwarf
galaxias tend to be found in the upper parts of the catchment.
The Canterbury galaxiid has been reported once in the catchment, and if
still present represents one of only two populations of this species found
west of the Main Divide.
The dwarf galaxias population found in the Motueka has been discovered
to be genetically distinct from other Galaxias divergens
populations.
The Motueka is an important recreational and commercial fishery for
whitebait (inanga), and would have supported a larger fishery before
drainage of the wetlands between the Motueka and Riwaka rivers. |
