Recreational substitutability and carrying capacity for the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers

Abstract

The Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers are located close to each other in Canterbury; they have many of the same physical attributes and appear to offer similar recreational amenities. Both rivers have water right applications pending for large scale irrigation development, and both are likely to be nominated for preservation under the new Wild and Scenic Rivers amendment to the Soil and Water Conservation Act. These alternative uses are incompatible, and the possibility of a compromise solution depends partly on whether the two rivers are close subsitutes and whether one could accommodate a shift of use from the other. Accordingly, project objectives are to assess substitutability and estimate carrying capacities for salmon fishing on the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers. Evaluative standards were developed from angler questionnaires.