Tuna (longfin eel). Photo credit John Clayton.

Eels and wetlands to be showcased at Murupara
For immediate release: 2 December 2013

An open day is being held in Murupara on Tuesday 10th December for the Rangitāiki community to learn about taking care tuna (longfin eel) in their local wetlands and streams.

The Wetlands, Waterways and Tuna (longfin eel) Open Day is being organised by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and hosted at the Department of Conservation Office, State Highway 38, Murupara. There will be two identical tutorial sessions offered during the day - the first from 10.30am until 12noon and the other from 1.00pm until 2.30pm. Each will be followed by a free sausage sizzle.

Regional Council Land Management Officer Milly Farquhar said that she hopes locals will come along to find out more about tuna and how they can help this declining taonga, by preserving wetland and stream habitat.

“The aim of the open day is to give people an appreciation of the importance of our precious longfin eel. It’s an opportunity for landowners to learn about the assistance that’s available to help them look after their waterways,” Ms Farquhar said.

Local kaumatua Bill Kerrison will be speaking at the event, accompanied by experts from Fish and Game New Zealand and the Regional Council.

“Our team of specialists will share some great ideas and simple things that locals can do to help keep their waterways healthy and conserve tuna (eels) now and for future generations,” said Ms Farquhar.

“We’ll be delivering the same information at each tutorial session so people can choose which time slot suits them best,” Ms Farquhar said.

For further information, contact Milly Farquhar ph 0800 884 881 extension 9522.

ENDS

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