Mataura one of worst NZ rivers: ES

IN PERIL: The Mataura River, which has been identified as one of the most degraded rivers in New Zealand.

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Southland's internationally famous trout fishery, the Mataura River, has been identified as one of the most degraded rivers in New Zealand, Environment Southland water quality specialists revealed yesterday.

In a presentation to the Southland Conservation Board, Environment Southland specialists outlined the condition of the south's waterways and groundwater catchments and what was being done to improve water quality. Scientist Kirsten Meijer said the Mataura River had high levels of nitrate contaminants and was one of the most degraded rivers in the country.

Southland's waterways were under pressure from intensive land use, such as dairying. In 2005 there were just over 600 dairying farms in the province. By 2011 there would be 1000 or more as well as significant increases in stock rates, she said.

Board member Brian Hore, who lives near the headwaters of the Mataura River, said the river was treated as precious under his stewardship and it hurt to see its over-use and degradation downstream.

Ms Meijer said monitoring showed that faecal bacteria rates were highest in the lower reaches of rivers. Contamination rates in the lower and mid-reaches of the Mataura River, the Makarewa, Waimatuku and Waihopai rivers, as well as the lower Oreti, often exceeded national guideline levels for freshwater swimming, Ms Meijer said.

- © Fairfax NZ News