Momo rāwaho | Pest fish in Aotearoa by Krysia Nowak

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-03-23 00:26:07 UTC

Why bring these species to Aotearoa?

Why bring new fish to NZ?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:05:42 UTC

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:46:33 UTC

Meet some 'aliens'! This is an Australian example.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:51:21 UTC

Northland example - watch to see a good explanation of why pest fish are a problem.
Question to consider: why would we value some fish over other fish? Can you think of any reasons?

Invasive

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:55:24 UTC

Species whose introduction or spread threatens biodiversity, food security, and/or human health and wellbeing.

Momo rāwaho/Introduced

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:55:29 UTC

Species that have been brought to Aotearoa New Zealand by humans, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Momo māori/Native

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:55:33 UTC

Refers to a species that naturally occurs in a place (e.g. Aotearoa New Zealand).

Benthic

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:55:38 UTC

The ecological zone located at the bottom of any marine or freshwater body like river, ocean, lake or pond.

Konihi/predator

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:55:57 UTC

He momo kaikiko, he kīrehe te nuinga. Ko tā te konihi he whaiwhai, he whakamate, he kai i ētahi atu kīrehe. Hei tauira, ko te raiona.

A type of carnivore, in most cases an animal. A predator hunts, kills and eats other animals, for example, the lion. This is known as predation.

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-13 23:57:36 UTC

The basics

What is biosecurity?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-14 01:34:41 UTC

Learn about how we keep Aotearoa safe from pest species (of all kinds!).

Haumaru koiora/Biosecurity

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-14 01:36:14 UTC

Ko ngā tikanga, ko ngā whakaritenga hei ārai atu i ngā matū koiora me ngā rauropi ka whakararu, ka patu i te tangata me te taiao.

Procedures and arrangements that prevent biological substances and organisms from harming and damaging people and the environment.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 03:50:26 UTC

See how out-of-control goldfish can get! (American example)
Question: what do you think nature in New Zealand would look like if we didn't try to control the spread of invasive species?

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 03:57:54 UTC

Warning: teachers/guardians may wish to exercise guidance around viewing this video. Canadian example.

Questions:

These are called 'goldfish', why do you think so many of them are no longer brightly coloured?
The narrator says they have removed 2000lb (pounds) of fish, can you work out how much that would be in kilograms (kg)?
Hint - the formula will be:
weight(lb) ÷ 2.205 = weight (kg)
These fish seem to live for a long time out of the water - can you think of some way to deal with lots of goldfish quickly so they don't suffer?
How do you feel about pest-fish control? Under what circumstances is it okay, or not acceptable?

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 04:11:42 UTC

Goldfish in Taupō. Read this article closely and decide whether goldfish are considered a big pest in Taupō, or if (as they say) there are 'bigger fish to fry'.

Read: deep dive

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 04:20:34 UTC

A fascinating read for older students (or educators), along with some hilarious photos of goldfish! Use for: discussing different values that people place on things (or fish) in different times or locations.

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 04:27:56 UTC

From pet to pest - short article to raise ideas about being good pet owners. May be worthwhile discussing Finding Nemo, and why flushing fish is not a good idea.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 04:34:09 UTC

How DOC, Waikato Regional Council, and schools work together to remove pest fish.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 21:30:52 UTC

A mix of history, korero about impacts, and kaitiakitanga. For more about 'Check, Clean, Dry', check the 'How can we help' column.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 21:38:58 UTC

A catfish guarding its nest (outside NZ). Notice the elaborate nest and many, many eggs!
Questions:

Why do you think some fish lay so many eggs?
Do you think the person who filmed this likes catfish? What makes you think that?
If you lived in a place where catfish are native would you think about them differently?

Watch/read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:07:43 UTC

Excellent video and article on catfish in Rotoiti.

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:13:42 UTC

Old article (2001!), but raises questions about how we can control or remove pest species whilst benefiting society in other ways.
Question: Rawina says she would be thrilled to fish herself out of business, but this isn't always the case. Investigate how bounties have failed to control pest species. You could start here.

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:20:54 UTC

Article about a catfish culling competition. This article is in pressreader and may or may not be available to all.

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:26:27 UTC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:28:41 UTC

School Journal

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 22:50:11 UTC

Part 2 Number 4, 2005

Pest Fish by David Somerset

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 23:12:00 UTC

Short article about eradication, and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Read - the basics

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 23:15:44 UTC

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 23:23:08 UTC

Pest fishing in the Travis Wetlands. A slow watch, but some cute songs that may inspire some song writers in students!

Read/watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-15 23:57:41 UTC

All about Koi Carp - thorough and easy read including 'click' definitions.

Long read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-16 00:08:36 UTC

NZ Geographic article about bow-hunting koi. Use for comprehension, deep reading.

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-20 03:52:53 UTC

Consider this article through the lens of the design/innovation process. Can students think of a problem they'd like to think of innovative solutions for in the freshwater space?

Read - the basics

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-21 04:22:16 UTC

Read - the basics

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-21 04:23:38 UTC

Watch - just for fun

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-21 04:32:23 UTC

Ever thought of eating a mosquitofish?!

Koi Carp

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 21:44:48 UTC

Cyprinus rubrofuscus

Origin: Eastern Asia
Discovered in NZ: 1983, Waikato River
Reason: likely to have been a released pet

Habitat: Koi carp prefer slow or non-moving waterways like ponds and wetlands.

Max Size: 120cm, 40.1kg

Koi Carp cause damage by eating plants and insects as well as stirring up mud.

Can lay up to 1 million eggs at a time and spawns up to 3 times per year in New Zealand. The eggs are sticky and easily transferred between waterways.

Rudd*

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 21:47:53 UTC

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Origin: Europe
Introduced: 1967, illegally
Reason: fishing

Habitat: lakes, ponds, large weedy pools in rivers and streams.

Max Size: 61.7cm, 3.62kg

Rudd breed rapidly and eat plants and plankton, damaging native aquatic plants and starving native fish and insect species.

*They are considered a pest fish in New Zealand except in the Auckland and Waikato regions where they are considered a sports fish.

Catfish

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 21:51:03 UTC

Ameiurus nebulosus

Origin: North America
Introduced: 1877 (but relatively recent spread)
Reason: food source

Habitat: Catfish prefer slow-flowing, shallow waters with silty or muddy bottoms.

Max Size: 55cm, 2.7kg

Catfish cause damage by stirring up mud and eating kōura, insects, small fish and plants. They breed rapidly laying up to 10,000 eggs which are protected by both parent fish.

Goldfish | Morihana

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 21:53:23 UTC

Carassius auratus

Origin: Asia
Introduced: 1860s
Reason: pets, released as fishing targets

Habitat: Goldfish prefer shallow areas of ponds, wetlands, or slow moving streams with lots of water plants or weeds.

Max Size: 48cm, 2.4kg

Goldfish lay up to 50,000 eggs at a time, and can spawn (lay eggs) several times per year. The eggs are sticky and can easily be transferred between water bodies on boats, fishing gear or clothes.

In several areas they are considered a food fish by Māori.

Gambusia

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 21:56:11 UTC

Gambusia affinis

Origin: Gulf of Mexico
Introduced: 1930s
Reason: mosquito control

Habitat: Shallow and sheltered margins of lakes, wetlands, rivers.

Max Size: 6cm (females), 4cm (males), 3g

Although small, the mosquitofish is extremely aggressive and have been known to kill fish many times larger than them. They will eat anything that moves and outcompete other fish in most habitats they invade. They will also quickly overpopulate a habitat and pollute the water with their waste. They give birth to live young and a female can give birth to 20 babies once every 19 days.

Illustration credits

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:03:20 UTC

Pest fish illustrations by Sonia Frimmel.

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:07:40 UTC

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:11:34 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:13:53 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:15:23 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:18:47 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:20:18 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Momo/Species

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:23:11 UTC

He rōpū rauropi. He ōrite te hanga me ētahi āhuatanga o ngā rauropi o tēnā momo, o tēnā. Mā te ai o tētahi rauropi me tētahi atu o tōna momo e whakaputa uri ai.

A group of organisms that resemble each other and have common features. Each species can produce its own offspring.

Learn to Check, Clean, Dry

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:23:52 UTC

This is how we keep our awa, roto, and other waterways safe from the spread of pest species.

Awa

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:26:42 UTC

River, stream, flowing waterway.

Roto

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:26:44 UTC

Lake, wetlands, swamp, settled or very low flow waterways.

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 22:54:41 UTC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-23 23:02:18 UTC

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-24 03:42:11 UTC

A short, silly video about Check, Clean, Dry, a key way that we prevent the spread of pest species.

Riha rāwaho/Introduced pest

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-04-24 03:50:34 UTC

He rauropi orotā, arā, he rauropi patu i rauropi kē. Ka kīia ngā riha kua kawea mai ki Aotearoa i whenua kē, he riha rāwaho.

An animal or insect that has been introduced to New Zealand becomes a pest if it has the potential to cause significant national economic, environmental or cultural effects. In their home environments overseas, these organisms often create no problems.

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-05-24 22:39:10 UTC

An animal becomes a pest if it begins to cause considerable economic or environmental damage.

Rerenga rauropi/Biodiversity

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-24 20:28:12 UTC

Ko te matatini o ngā ira, o ngā momo, o ngā pūnaha hauropi i tētahi wāhi.

Biodiversity is short for biological diversity. It describes the variety and diversity of all life on land, in fresh water and the sea. This includes ecosystems and the genes they contain.

Rauropi/Organism

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-24 20:56:15 UTC

He mea ora. Koia nei ngā tukanga me ngā mahi matua a tētahi rauropi: ka kai, ka tukupūngao, ka tukupara, ka tupu, ka urupare ki ngā momo whakakorikori, ka nuku, ka whakaputa uri.

A living thing. An organism performs the following functions: it takes in nutrients, it respires, it excretes waste, it grows, it responds to stimuli, it moves, it reproduces.

What to do if you find a freshwater pest?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-24 21:34:05 UTC

Use the Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand guide to identify the potential pest, its known distribution and information on its management status.
Document your find by noting exact location, date and photograph of the pest.
Photographs can be sent to NIWA Email: enquiries@niwa.co.nz for identification.
If possible, collect a pest sample. Invertebrates and small fish can be preserved in 70% alcohol, with larger fish stored in a freezer.
If the pest is managed for eradication or exclusion in your region by MPI or DOC report it to the pests-and-diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Similarly, for pest species not in the guide, report to the pests-and-diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
If the pest is managed for eradication or exclusion in your region by a Regional Pest Management Plan contact your regional council biosecurity section

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 19:52:17 UTC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 19:52:40 UTC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 19:53:12 UTC

Orfe

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 19:54:17 UTC

Leuciscus idus

Origin: Europe
Introduced: 1985
Reason: fishing

Habitat: Orfe prefer slow-flowing waters in rivers and lakes.

Max Size: typically 45cm

Orfe breed rapidly, and don't have natural predators in New Zealand. As carnivorous (meat-eating) fish they can directly impact native animals as well as competing for food sources.

Perch*

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 19:56:38 UTC

Perca fluviatilis

Origin: Europe
Introduced: 1860s/70s, to Canterbury, West Coast, Wellington, Whanganui & Taranaki
Reason: fishing

Habitat: lakes, ponds, wetlands, slow-moving rivers.

Max Size: typically <40cm, 2kg

*Perch form the basis of a sports fishery, and are managed by Fish & Game (look back at 'when is a pest not a pest?'). In spite of this, due to their impact (below), appearance of Perch into new areas would be concerning.

Perch have a large impact as they eat many native species. Perch larvae (young) feed on zooplankton (tiny animals); mid-sizes feed on benthic invertebrates (things without spines!) including kōura; adult diet may include other fish. Lakes with perch have fewer bullies, galaxiids and smelt (all native fish) compared with lakes without perch.

Tench*

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 20:38:49 UTC

Tinca tinca

Origin: Europe
Introduced: 1867
Reason: fishing

Habitat: Shallow, still waters with plants/weeds.

Max Size: 70cm
*Tench form the basis of a sports fishery, and are managed by Fish & Game (look back at 'when is a pest not a pest?'). In spite of this, due to their impact (below), appearance of Tench into new areas would be concerning.

As benthic, carnivorous fish, tench may contribute to reduced water quality by stirring sediments and altering food webs.

When is a pest NOT a pest?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2020-11-25 20:49:57 UTC

We have listed species that are considered pests in Aotearoa - but it's not always that simple: A fish may be considered a pest in one region, but a sports-fish (something people like to catch) in another region or situation.
This is an example of people having different values - sometimes we value a species despite its impact.
Take a look at the case of trout in Taupō to investigate this idea further.

In this Padlet fish considered sport-fish in some regions or situations are marked with an asterisk.

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-26 21:23:50 UTC

No recent records.
From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-26 21:28:10 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

More recent distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-26 21:29:53 UTC

From NIWA

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-26 21:31:12 UTC

From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

What's being done?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-26 21:32:48 UTC

DOC page:

Legal status (and consequences for possession of live fish)
Control options
Monitoring

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 00:56:16 UTC

Image credit: Angus McIntosh

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 00:57:42 UTC

Image credit: Glen Maclean

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 01:00:18 UTC

Image credit: Sjaan Bowie | DOC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 01:06:21 UTC

Image credit: Sjaan Bowie | DOC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 01:59:18 UTC

Image credit: Sjaan Bowie | DOC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 02:05:27 UTC

Image credit: A Siciliano | DOC

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 02:11:51 UTC

Image credit: Christopher Caine

Gudgeon

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 02:19:34 UTC

Gobio gobio

Origin: Europe
Introduced: first detected in an Auckland pond in 2004; eradicated
Reason: possibly for coarse fishery

Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, ponds, wetlands and the still-water habitats of rivers and streams.

Max size: 21cm (from overseas examples)

The gudgeon is primarily a benthic (bottom feeding) carnivore, feeding on things that live in silt and sand. It may therefore compete with native fish for food and affect water quality in lakes and ponds.

Distribution map

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-27 03:18:47 UTC

No recent records.
From NIWA Freshwater Invasive Species of New Zealand 2020

Your pet fish

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-28 01:10:35 UTC

Never dump unwanted pets of any sort in the wild - they can become pests and/or spread disease. If you can no longer look after your aquarium here are some guidelines:

Find someone else who would like to keep them as a pet (your local pet shop may be able to help), or;
Euthanize (kill) the fish humanely - best to approach a pet shop for this, too
Discard any weed matter in compost or general waste.

Think

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-28 01:16:33 UTC

Why would we want people to dispose of some things in certain ways? Think about the bins you put out at home:

Would you want the things in your home bins out in the environment? Why, why not?

When people dump rubbish in reserves and natural places they can cause pollution, encourage invasive (pest) species to thrive, and completely change ecosystems.

How could you communicate the importance of disposing rubbish appropriately?

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-30 22:55:30 UTC

Image credit: Gilles San Martin

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-30 23:00:09 UTC

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Goldfish swimming

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-30 23:45:50 UTC

Video credit: A Siciliano | DOC

Short clip of catfish

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-05-30 23:46:56 UTC

Video credit: A Siciliano | DOC

Read

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-06-21 20:14:48 UTC

Working together to keep koi carp out of a vulnerable environment. What other ways can students think of to exclude unwanted fish?

Listen

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-06-23 20:12:14 UTC

It's a long listen, but a fascinating insight into why Stewart Smith spent decades releasing exotic fish into New Zealand waterways.
Great for those wanting a bit more background (maybe on a bus ride to a fieldtrip?!). Good trigger for discussion of rights, law, and changing norms.

Watch

TaupoForTomorrow — 2021-10-13 21:33:58 UTC

Meet the Locals: Pest fish (general introduction)