Key Takeaways:
- A large number of eels have been found dead in the Waiatai Stream near Wairoa, with the water appearing as a deep brown color and smelling like diesel.
- The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has been alerted to the issue and is taking it seriously, with teams collecting water and fish samples to determine the cause of the deaths.
- The affected area is estimated to be around 10km of the stream, with the local community, including the Wairoa District Council, expressing concern and calling for further investigation.
- The cause of the deaths is currently unknown, but it is suspected to be related to contamination or chemical residue in the water.
- The local iwi consider the Waiatai Valley to be an area of cultural significance, adding to the importance of resolving the issue.
Introduction to the Crisis
The colour of the water in the Waiatai Stream near Wairoa was shocking, with a deep brown colour and a film on top that smelled like diesel. This discovery was made by a local resident, who was left wondering what was happening to the stream. By Monday evening, the situation had become even more dire, with dead eels everywhere. The resident, Hill, phoned his daughter Kate Eaglesome, who lives on Kairangi Station further downstream, and she immediately went to check on the pump where her family has been feeding the eels for years. Unfortunately, she found that all the eels were dead.
The Extent of the Damage
The situation in the Waiatai Stream is devastating, with dead eels as far as the eye can see. Eaglesome described the scene, saying that there is nothing left alive in the stream, including bugs, fish, and dragonflies. The only thing visible is dead eels, fish, and flies, accompanied by a terrible smell coming from the water. The stream, which has been a part of Eaglesome’s life since she was born and raised in the area, is now a barren and lifeless environment. She emphasized that the stream was not just a source of food, but also a place where her family would go to teach their children about preservation and appreciation for nature.
Investigation and Response
A spokesperson for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council stated that the council was alerted to the situation late on Monday, January 12, and is taking the reports of tuna (eel) deaths seriously. The council’s teams have been to the location to carry out an initial assessment, and water and fish samples have been collected to help determine the cause of the deaths. The council reassured the community that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep them updated as more information becomes available. The Wairoa District Council, led by Mayor Craig Little, has also been informed of the situation and is supporting the continued investigation into the cause.
Community Concerns and Theories
Eaglesome expressed her anger and upset about the situation, saying that it looked like there was a chemical residue on top of the water. She is also worried about the seagulls eating the eels that managed to get up onto the bank of the stream before dying, as they do not know what killed the eels and whether it will affect the birds. Hill estimates that almost 10km of the stream has been affected and has taken water samples, which will be used to help determine the cause of the deaths. He has been told that it could take up to five years for the stream to recover, which has left him gutted and seeking answers.
Cultural Significance and Future Actions
The Waiatai Valley is an area of cultural significance to local iwi, making the issue even more important to resolve. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will continue to investigate the cause of the deaths, and the Wairoa District Council will support their efforts. The community is eagerly waiting for updates and answers, and it is essential that the council provides them with timely and accurate information. The situation in the Waiatai Stream serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources for future generations. As the investigation continues, it is crucial that the community remains vigilant and demands action to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
