The travelling tuna tapestry is a project to inspire children to take an interest in and promote conservation of the longfin eel.

Stephanie with head and tail sections ready for students, friends, and neighbors to add appliqué pieces

How to get involved

The idea is for schools throughout New Zealand to create eel body sections with their own message added. At the end of the year the sections will all be joined together, to create a huge eel tapestry.

Why does the longfin eel need protection?

The New Zealand longfin eel is a declining species and needs protection. Habitat loss, commercial fishing and blockages to passage such as those caused by hydro dams are all contributing to this decline.

Our longfin is one of the world’s largest freshwater eels and can live to over 100 years old. They are the top predator in New Zealand freshwaters.

Find out more about the tapestry project on Stephanie Bowman's website.

Related link

New Zealand longfin eel