Fish futures: supporting care and protection of freshwater fisheries in Aotearoa New Zealand

Climate change, introduced species, and the way we are using land means our rivers lakes, streams and wetlands look very different from what they once were. Their future and the future of the fisheries they support is uncertain.

As our freshwater ecosystems travel into troubled waters, we are seeking ways to revitalise the fisheries they support and in doing so, the ways of life and cultures that depend on them.

In this free talk, Dr Robin Holmes will outline some of the key challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand’s treasured freshwater fisheries, including culturally important mahinga kai species, and explore what we can do to address them.

Robin will highlight how careful, targeted management could help turn things around for our Freshwater crayfish (kōura), eels (tuna), and introduced trout and salmon, which are all experiencing population declines.

He will also share new insights from the 5-year Fish Futures MBIE research programme (fishfutures.co.nz), an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together hapū/iwi, fisheries managers, and researchers from across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond to better understand and support more resilient freshwater fisheries.

Presenter Bio

Dr Robin Holmes is a freshwater ecologist at the Cawthron Institute. His work focuses on fish, fisheries, and the overall health of rivers and streams. Originally from Dunedin, Robin first became aware of the rapid decline in freshwater environments while working as a trout fishing guide during a period of intensive land-use change. This experience inspired him to complete a Master of Science at the University of Otago, where he studied how land use affects stream invertebrates, before joining the Cawthron Institute. While working at Cawthron Institute he went on to complete a PhD on freshwater fishery restoration.

Robin’s primary research explores how physical habitat shapes healthy streams and how fish communities respond to habitat restoration and management. He has contributed to a wide range of projects aimed at improving ecosystem health in agricultural landscapes, particularly by promoting more sustainable land and water management practices.

He also works closely with communities and hapū/iwi to support locally driven approaches to improving river health and managing fisheries. Robin currently co-leads the MBIE Endeavour Fund’s Fish Futures programme, which is helping to shape the future of freshwater fisheries in Aotearoa.

Event format

Presentation from 5.30pm followed by a short Q&A session. The event will formally conclude at 6.30pm and guests are invited to remain for informal networking over tea/coffee afterwards if they wish.

Disclaimer: All registered participants will be added to the Friends of Cawthron email list. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.