Inanga amongst eelgrass
New Zealand has 35 native fish species, yet most of us would be hard pressed to list more than a couple (and no, trout are NOT native!). People are astounded to learn that ‘whitebait’ are the juveniles of five native species, including some that are threatened.
Did you know that half of our native fish species spend time at sea? In this section you'll learn more about some of New Zealand's 35 native fish species.
The loss of wetlands and commercial fishing threaten New Zealand's native eels.
Learn about DOC's shortfin and longfin eel conservation work.
There are a number of ways you can be involved with eel conservation efforts, including protecting eel habitat and ensuring their migration routes are passable.
View regulations for the whitebait fishing season which opens on 15 August, except for the West Coast where it opens on 1 September.
Watch this video about the lowland longjaw and how DOC protects this tiny fish which is as endangered as the kakapo.
Did you know that New Zealand has at least 35 species native fish? The trouble is many of our fish are tiny and hard to find. This video shows how DOC uses electric fishing to monitor them.
New Zealand's native freshwater fish factsheet (PDF, 195K)
New Zealand large galaxiid recovery plan (PDF, 980K)
New Zealand non-migratory galaxiid fishes recovery plan (PDF, 162K)
Find out about the biology of whitebait and whitebait identification
Journey Up the CreekThis stimulating and easy-to-use bilingual website for students follows Dion, Rick, and Ani on a trip up the creek as they learn how fresh water supports life.
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
