The New Zealand quinnat salmon fishery: problems with multiple water use conflicts and management

Abstract

In this study four problems, with respect to the N.Z. quinnat fishery, are discussed: management of the fishery, water resource management, environmental management and adverse impacts caused by other water users.

Many problems associated with quinnat management, and freshwater fishery management in general, are reviewed. The most conspicuous problems are the lack of integrated management, the lack of professional control and the lack of research. Problems, and their solution, associated with the lack of integration and professional control, have been evaluated in the past. However, the fact that the present system will not immediately convert to the desired integrated system, controlled by professionals, has been ignored. Until this conversion is achieved, temporary measures to improve management are recommended, which allows for a transition to the new management system. Areas in which research, to guide management, is required are identified. Although the quantity of research is limited by lack of sufficient personnel and finance more of the necessary research could be achieved by, for example, university research students.

A selection of environmental requirements (river flow, temperature and dissolved oxygen) of quinnat are discussed. Recommendations regarding suitable requirements are made in the text. Maintaining suitable environmental conditions will help avoid adverse impacts on quinnat, through water resource development projects. Adverse impacts of these projects can also be mitigated or prevented by measures, such as screening intakes and discharges of water diversion races, the construction of fish passes and artificial propagation.

Faults in water resource management, the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967 and environmental management, as they relate to the quinnat fishery, are reviewed. The most conspicuous faults are the potentially conflicting roles of the Ministry of Works and Development, the unscientific nature of the water quality criteria of the Act and environmental impact reporting procedures.

Rectifying existing problems and preventing potential ones from occurring will help achieve a balance between water use for quinnat fisheries and other water uses. Maintenance of quinnat populations will ensure maintenance of brown and rainbow trout populations. These three species are the main components of the N.Z. freshwater fishery, which is a source of recreation for New Zealanders and external tourists.