The deteriorating condition of rivers such as the Pomahaka in West Otago has driven the Otago Fish and Game Council to take a more proactive approach to ensuring the conservation and recreational values of Otago's waterways are maintained.
As a result of concerns about fishery values being at risk from deteriorating water quality and quantity, the council will develop a document outlining its position on catchment management issues.
At a recent meeting, councillors discussed a report on the Pomahaka fishery by Fish and Game field officer Morgan Trotter and a proposed water policy by Fish and Game environmental officer John Hollows.
Mr Trotter identified adverse water-quality trends and fishery impacts in the river, due largely to run-off from intensive farming, while Mr Hollows outlined eight principles of water management, including supporting community water initiatives for water takes above predetermined environmental bottom lines, opposing open water trading and setting flows that protect in-stream fishery values.
Chief executive officer Niall Watson said the council considered comprehensive catchment management was required to maintain the Pomahaka fishery.
"The council wants to communicate its views on the management needs of the Pomahaka fishery, which it believes will be compatible with local community aspirations for the river itself."
The position statement, which could be adapted for any catchment, would cover water quality and quantity and habitat features needed for healthy ecosystems and quality trout fisheries, as well as riparian management, maintenance of wetlands and effluent disposal.
The aim was to identify values important to other sectors in the community and work out how to maintain those values so "everyone knows where they stand", Mr Watson said.
The statement would be a basis for discussion with farmers and the Otago Regional Council before the setting of minimum flows and implementation of the regional council's rural water-quality standards.
"This approach fits well with the Otago Regional Council's proposed water quality plans."
