September 17th, 2024
Environment Canterbury reports, in a media release, that thousands of male shortfin tuna (eel) were stranded on a property on Gullivers Road, near Taumutu Beach and Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, following a storm surge earlier this week. Early indications suggest that the surge of seawater entering the farmland did not provide enough water for the tuna (eel) to reach the sea.
Cultural Importance of Tuna (Eel)
Tuna (eel) are a significant taonga species for Ngāi Tahu and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, playing a crucial role in the continuation of mahinga kai for Ngāi Tahu and the wider community at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The stranding is a natural phenomenon during the tuna heke (eel migration) at this time of the year.
Efforts to Save Stranded Tuna (Eel)
Environment Canterbury and Selwyn District Council staff, upon being notified, worked together to save any tuna (eel) that were still alive. Several thousand were successfully relocated to the sea, but unfortunately, several thousand did not survive. In consultation with Te Taumutu Rūnanga representatives, the decision was made to bury the deceased eels according to tikanga (custom).
Impact of Coastal Erosion and Climate Change
Te Taumutu Rūnanga Chair Liz Brown stated that coastal erosion has affected the coastline and migration of tuna near Te Pā o Moki Marae and Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere for generations. She warned that tuna strandings are likely to increase in the future as climate change continues to impact the moana (sea/lakes) and whenua (land). Brown expressed gratitude to Environment Canterbury staff for their efforts in assisting with the recovery and burial of the tuna (eel).
Managing Coastal Hazards on Private Land
According to the media release Environment Canterbury is aware of several coastal properties impacted by coastal erosion, swell events, and flooding, exacerbated by climate change. Private landowners are responsible for maintaining assets like seawalls and stopbanks and managing repairs on their land. The regional council collects data to help identify coastal hazard zones along the Canterbury coast and works with landowners to understand how they can protect their properties. However, it does not collect rates to manage coastal erosion on private land or fund repairs.