Fish and Game ponders salmon hatchery on lower Waitaki

Central South Island Fish and Game is considering developing a salmon hatchery in the lower Waitaki River after concerns about low fish numbers.

The proposal was discussed at last week's annual public meeting. Several licence holders supported the idea.

Chief executive Jay Graybill said there had been concern about the low salmon harvest from the river, and the success of the McKinnons hatchery on the Rangitata over the last two years had encouraged them to look at other options.

Mr Graybill said September's Niwa report presented to the council revealed possible sites along the Waitaki River, but now it was a matter of doing the research.

"We are looking at the management of flows in seven-side braid systems of the lower Waitaki River. There are differences between the lower Waitaki and Rangitata River in terms of their makeup, but at the moment we have 10 possible sites."

Mr Graybill said any proposed hatchery would have to be created in consultation with Meridian Energy.

CSI Fish and Game councillor Linn Koevett said the organisation was also looking at reviving the salmon hatchery at Bells Pond.

"The landowners are very enthusiastic about the idea, but it will require a lot of work as we clear away the pine trees and restore the old hatchery to make sure it is structurally sound.

"... looking at the model for the McKinnons creek hatchery, it is likely we will need at least 30 committed volunteers to get it up and running before winter 2010."

Mr Koevett said it would probably cost about $70,000 to establish the hatchery, and another $15,000 for upkeep annually.

"It's going to take a lot of work, but we feel this would be worth it considering the success of the original hatchery. I could see us getting funding from Meridian and other interest groups."

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