OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
with Lifestyle Waterways
Lifestyle and/or recreational waterways refer to private lakes, canals and dams used for activities like swimming, surfing, water skiing, white water sports, underwater diving, sailing, boating or even just providing aesthetics around areas owners may consider important, i.e. residences. As many New Zealanders pursue aquatic hobbies and enjoy swimming, there is the need ensure that waterways function for the purpose they were designed for, and factors such as aquatic weed do not pose a risk to users.
Grass carp (aka White Amur) should be the preferred choice for weed control here! In lifestyle/recreational applications other aquatic weed control methods such as the use of herbicides and mechanical removal of weeds results in rotting vegetation and degradation of habitat and disturbance of sediments. These methods are more costly, provide temporary respite and require frequent applications over the warmer months. Its a no-brainer! NZWR has provided grass carp and a number of other solutions to restore a considerable number of these types of waterways.
A few of these highlights are:
Northbrook Waters
Rangiora, South Island NZ
5 YEAR PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
In March 2012, 149 Grass Carp (White Amur) were released into this 4.95 hectare recreational waterway; often used for freshwater water skiing activity. The residents were concerned about the rapid encroachment of submerged weeds that was affecting the lakes ability to be used for recreation, and safe (undisturbed and tangle free) swimming.
The residents determined that grass carp would be the most appropriate method as other aquatic weed control methods such as the use of herbicides and mechanical removal of weeds results in considerable loss of aquatic life and can result in degradation of the habitat through rotting vegetation and disturbance of sediments; making it unsafe for humans or pets to consume.
Bullies, smelt and galaxiids have also increased in population since removal of the weed has occurred. Bullies have been observed as attaining high densities under these conditions which is very encouraging.
Please note that this waterway is not open to the public, and course fishing is not permitted to anyone other than the residents.
Lake Inspiration Association
Otaki, North Island NZ
6 YEAR PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
In October 2011, 404 Grass Carp (White Amur) were released into this recreational waterway; often used for hosting barefoot and freshwater water skiing activities. The residents were concerned about the rapid encroachment of the pest weed known as Hornwort,
that was affecting the lakes ability to be used for the purposes it was constructed for.
The resident association determined that grass carp would be the most appropriate method, and don’t regularity jump when frightened. Other aquatic weed control methods such as the use of herbicides and mechanical removal of weeds results in considerable loss of aquatic life and can result in degradation of the habitat through rotting vegetation and disturbance of sediments; making it unsafe for human consumption.
Once introduced the fish were able to reduce the weed levels to levels satisfactory to all stakeholders within 6 months.
Please note that this waterway is not open to the public, and course fishing is not permitted to anyone other than the residents.
Kara Sanctuary
Maugatapere, North Island NZ
5 YEAR PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
In 2012, 78 Grass Carp (White Amur) were released into two ponds owned by the Kara Sanctuary in Maungatapere, Whangarei. The residents were concerned about the rapid encroachment of aquatic weeds detracting from the visual appearance of the ponds.In particular, the domination (being 100% of the lake-bed and surface reaching) Egeria densa aka Oxygen Weed. The conclusion considered by both the residents and the Department of Conservation was that grass carp would be the most appropriate method, as mechanical removal would have been an onerous and ongoing task.
Once introduced the fish were able to reduce the weed levels by 50% within one year, with no weed being visible from the surface within two months.
Backpaddock Lakes
North Island NZ
5 YEAR PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
Set against a picturesque backdrop, Backpaddock Lakes is Central Hawkes Bay’s exclusive water sports park. It provides both boat riding and cable park riding in the same place with three lakes dedicated to water-sport and wildlife. The park is designed specifically for wakeboarding, water-skiing and bare-footing. There is also a wetland area which is home to the local wildlife.
In 2012, Trevor and Keith Rowland’s sought grass carp to be released into this spectacular recreational waterway – as seen here. The Rowland’s had invested a lot of money into developing these lakes and were concerned about he rapid invasion of pest weeds, that was affecting the lakes ability to be used for the purposes it was constructed for, and if not controlled would have become a safety hazard/risk. The Rowland’s determined that grass carp would be the most appropriate method, with other aquatic weed control methods deemed unsuitable for reasons mentioned earlier.
Perrinpark Retirement
Waikato, North Island NZ
4 YEAR PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
Perrinpark is a retirement village situated in the beautiful Waikato community of Te Kowhai. It is a community of 73 homes in a park-like setting with mature trees, water features and lush grounds throughout the village. In 2013, Grass Carp (White Amur) were released into their feature waterway.
The residents were concerned about the growth of submerged weeds that was affecting the ponds aesthetics and decided grass carp would be the most appropriate method as other aquatic weed control methods such as the use of herbicides and mechanical removal of weeds results in considerable loss of aquatic life and can result in degradation of the habitat through rotting vegetation and disturbance of sediments; making it unsafe for humans to be around.
Please note that this waterway is not open to the public, and course fishing is not permitted to anyone.
Manuwai Pond
Franklin, North Island NZ
10 YEAR+ PROJECT (restoration & maintaining)
The residents were concerned about he rapid encroachment of both floating, submerged and marginal aquatic weeds affecting the pond.
In particular, Azolla, Parrots Feather and Curly Pond Weed. Azolla forms dense mats and out-competes other plant species. These infestations can reduce light levels below the mats and cause death of water plants and algae and reduce water oxygenation levels with serious impacts on fish and other fauna. It is recommended that action is taken right away when diagnosing this weed issue – as a collapsed waterway is very expensive and environmentally damaging.
The conclusion considered by both the residents and the Department of Conservation was that grass carp would be the most appropriate method and were released shortly after. Since their release they have provided complete control; doing so successfully for over ten years.
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