Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Limited fish before the ramp
Our central biodiversity advisor Martin Rutledge, who led the project and assisted the trust with resource consent, said before the ramp was built surveys showed only tuna/eel and one red finned bully was found upstream of the weir.
“There wasn’t the usual range of species that would be expected, such as inanga and banded kōkopu,” Martin said.
Schools of inanga found after ramp
After the ramp was built, November 2024 surveys showed an increasing number of native fish and freshwater shrimp getting past the weir. Two species that had not been found before, inanga and banded kōkopu, were also recorded upstream of the weir.
Living Springs manager Denis Aldridge said for the first time people were reporting seeing schools of whitebait upstream of the weir.
This confirmed that the ramp was doing its job.
“It’s really great to know that our stream will be supporting more fish, and we really appreciate Environment Canterbury’s help to make that happen,” Denis said.
Martin said he was amazed the ramp had worked so well.
“It’s been a rewarding project to be a part of and a great example of how we can improve our freshwater biodiversity.”
What’s next
With the ramp in good working order, the number and variety of native fish in the stream are expected to keep increasing. There will be regular checks of the ramp, especially after floods, to clear debris and adjust sandbags as needed.
A follow-up survey is planned in summer 2026 upstream, including areas further up in the catchment, to monitor the progress of species like banded kōkopu.
