In Canterbury, water from rivers is commonly diverted through water races to supply stockwater or water for irrigation. Unless prevented from doing so, fish may get caught up in water intakes and be unable to return to the river. Migratory fish such as salmon, trout and eels are particularly vulnerable because of the significant distances they often travel to and from the sea.
Fish screens prevent the passage of fish to water intakes, usually by requiring intake water to pass through a physical barrier such as a fine metal mesh. It is also necessary for fish encountering the barrier to be provided with a safe route back to the river.

Environment Canterbury is working in partnership with environmental agencies and the irrigation industry on developing good practice guidelines for fish screening in Canterbury. NIWA (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric research) has recently produced a report on the subject.

Download the Report:

Report - Fish Screening: good practice guidelines for Canterbury 2.23MB

To further discussion, Environment Canterbury is hosting a series of meetings which will provide a forum to present a range of views on the report, followed by facilitated group discussion.

Meetings are on:

Monday June 16 2008
Greyway Lounge, Timaru Racecourse.
Entry to the Racecourse is from SH8, Washdyke.

Thursday June 19 2008
Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton.

Tuesday June 24 2008
Anglican Parish Hall, Church St, Amberley.

Agenda

Welcome: ECan Councillor

Introduction: Dr. Bryan Jenkins

NIWA Presentation on Fish Screening Report: Dennis Jamieson

Perspectives on the report:

Fish & Game: Davor Bejakovich
Department of Conservation: Sjaan Charteris
Irrigation New Zealand: Terry Heiler

Facilitated Group Discussion

Summary of Group Discussions presented back to the meeting

All three meetings will start at 7:30 pm and conclude with tea & coffee at around 9:30.