Fish & Game ecologist Jayde Couper said a 2023 investigation showed the upper Catlins catchment was in good health. Brown trout, non-migratory galaxiids and kōura (freshwater crayfish) were found at nearly every survey site.
‘‘Our investigation showed a healthy, self-sustaining trout population but a lack of formal marginal strips meant many anglers were likely trespassing inadvertently,’’ Mr Couper said.
‘‘By combining ecological data with a desktop review of access, we identified where the gaps were.
‘‘These five new points ensure anglers can now reach the water legally and safely.’’
The surveys also found that prolific riverside gorse was an issue as it blocked access to the river margin.
In response, Otago Fish & Game partnered with Southern Forests Ltd, which manages large plantation forests in the catchment, including the timber production forest established on Wisp Hill for Ingka Investments.
Forestry manager Josh Cairns said improving access had always been a priority for the company and the landowner.
‘‘Giving people the opportunity to enjoy this piece of water, and just appreciate the environment it is in, is important to us.’’
He said the company had invested tens of thousands of dollars in gorse and broom control and had planted almost 200,000 mixed natives in riparian margins to support environmental outcomes and recreation.
He said the company maintained setbacks much larger than required by law — often 30m to 100m from the water’s edge — to protect the tea-coloured waterway.
Mr Cairns asked the public to ‘‘leave only footprints’’ and treat the area with respect.
The new Catlins River access points can be found on Fish & Game’s online access map.
