Interest Of Anglers Could Be Unintentionally Overlooked

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 63, 12 August 1965, Page 8

Interest Of Anglers Could Be Unintentionally Overlooked

In such a large-scale and complex project as the Tongariro power development, the interests of anglers generally, and of the Internal Affairs Department in the fishery waters under its control, could be overlooked unintentionally if close liaison with other departments were not maintained, says the department's annual report presented to Parliament. "Already, prompt action by officers of the department has prevented serious silt pollution of the spawning grounds of the Tokaanu Stream, though not before some damage had been done," says the report.

Losses of fry for the season were made good by the subsequent release of hatch-ery-reared marked fry. However, remedial measures were not always practicable, the report warned. "Strong reserAations about the possihle effects of the development on trout fishing have been expressed by anglers. "Because of these reservations and in view. of the fact that any effects of the schem-e would be felt in trout fishing waters administered by it, the departmenPs wildlife branch at head office and its local fishery management and law enforcement officers have maintained close liaison with engineers of Ministry of Works and NZED. "An additional officer was appointed at Turangi for this

purpose. Discussions have been held on the location of the tail-race discharge from the Tokaanu generating station, on the use of electric fish screens, and on the means of obtaining the vast quantities of shingle required to ensure that angling in the Tongariro and other rivers is not adversely affected. "Where economically practicable, shingle is being taken with the aim of improving angling in the rivers concerned."