Recent publicity has higlighted the plight of longfin eels, which are unique to New Zealand and are listed as a threatened species.

[singlepic id=23 w=320 h=240 float=right]Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere maintains important customary and commercial tuna (eel) fisheries. Two species, shortfins and longfins, are present and there is evidence to suggest that the proportion of longfins has declined over time. A NIWA report, prepared for ECan in 2010, provides details of the tuna populations in the lake and tributaries.

In light of the decreased abundance of longfins in the Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, they are no longer landed by commercial fishers and are voluntarily released.

A new website, Manaaki Tuna – lifeline for longfins, has lots of information about this fascinating native eel.