Seasons Greetings from the Advocates For the Tongariro River.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and engaged community for the support offered in 2024. Without the high level of engagement we currently enjoy, our ability to advocate and lobby on behalf the the river, its environs and users, would significantly reduced.
As we look forward to 2025, our reason for being is as clear as it has ever been and we have a firm set of objectives to push forward. Please feel free to get in touch at anytime with any observations on the Tongariro River if you are fortunate to enjoy its beauty over this holiday season.
Topics covered in this blog:
- TDC Mayoral Community Award for AFTR Secretary
- Asian Gold Clam
- DOC Access Charter for Hunting and Fishing
- Weather Impact Jocks Reach
- DOC Taupo Fishery Focus #37 -Summary
Taupo District Council acknowledgement of note :
Of special note is the announcement from the Taupo District Council that AFTR Secretary Eric Wilson has been awarded a ‘Mayoral Community Award’. This comes for his selfless involvement in the community of Turangi, contributing to many aspects of the town’s life over several decades, for serving on environmental groups in the Taupo region. And for the key role he has played in the longevity and success of The Advocates for the Tongariro River for more than 20 years.
As a committee we wholeheartedly agree with the selection of Eric for this award. Eric is a tireless contributor for the betterment of the wider community, a true community champion. We tip our hats to you Sir.
Asian Gold Clam watch remains :
Please remain vigilant on the watch for Gold Clams within our catchment. Biosecurity NZ flyers included here for assistance of this ongoing vigilance.
On November 25th Taupo Lakes and Waterways and REAP Central Plateau co-hosted an Aquatic Biodiversity forum, outlining the critical threat to our waterways from the Asian Gold Clam. This followed the spread of the gold clam in the Waikato River to cover the stretch from Mangakino to Tuakua. The event was well attended and included presentations from NIWA and MPI.
DOC Announcement :
On Nov 2nd 2024, The Department for Conservation has released its Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters. This charter was developed collaboratively with DOC, stakeholders and other agencies. It was announced by Minister Todd McClay.
Mid-November weather impact on Jocks Reach access :
With some intense spring weather in mid November, a large tree cut off the access track to Jocks Reach. After some collaboration from various committee members, the tree was ably cleared by Doug Church- many thanks to Doug for his efforts on the much appreciated access track to the lower reaches of the true left bank.
DOC’s Taupo Fishery Focus #37 summary – care of Carl Bergstrom
A fishery in great health – obervations from DOC’s Taupo Fishery Focus #37
DOC’s winter survey of angling outcomes on the Tongariro River is based on ~500 interviews conducted between May and early October covering the accessible length of the river from Delatour’s to the Fence Pool. The “catch-per-unit-effort” data which measures how many fish per hour anglers have caught (or claim to!) shows the last three years have been the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th best on record since 1986, and 7 of the last 8 years have been well above average. While over the long term factors like improved angling technique can have an impact, in the shorter term the results are more likely to correlate with the health of the fishery. Another very positive indicator was the Waipa trap data for August and September which in DOC’s words was “off the scale”.
Interestingly the last five winters have seen below average underlying flow rates, so it doesn’t appear to be impeding the fishing and may even be helping – perhaps making it easier for upstream nymphing (73% of anglers interviewed were using this technique). DOC reports that 70-80% of the fish caught were released and they would like to see more fish being harvested to keep numbers in balance with food supply in the lake.
I doubt that many rivers anywhere in the world could boast these sort of statistics.