Te Waihora- the south Islands most productive freshwater wetland environment

Without a doubt Te Waihora is our ( the South Island's) most productive freshwater environment. This photograph showing the LII River mouth and adjoining wetlands gives an indication of the complexity and richness of the lake's wetlands. Now as we move into 2011 we need to address the health of the lake which sadly, overall, has been neglected for the last 40 years. Small scale initiatives at Harts Creek and on small wetland areas around the lake by organisations such as WET, ECAN and Living streams Groups have enhanced some areas- but the lake needs more awareness and management to make the most of this resource- both for wildlife and economic values ( the lake has a nationally important eel fuishery and regionally important flounder fishery).