By Farmers Weekly
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New populations of a rare and threatened native fish species have been found in three locations in the Cardrona Valley in Central Otago.
The Clutha flathead galaxias, a critically endangered species found only in Central Otago, was detected in two previously unrecorded populations 鈥 and a third population rediscovered after 20 years 鈥 during a field survey led by Otago-based researcher Isaac Davies. The research was made possible by the inaugural Donald Scott Memorial Scholarship in Freshwater Ecology.
The project surveyed 30 streams in the Cardrona Valley. All three populations of Clutha flathead were found in small, trout-free headwaters, highlighting the importance of natural fish barriers in protecting vulnerable native fish.
Davies, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Otago and the inaugural recipient of the Donald Scott Memorial Trust Scholarship, said the discovery adds significantly to understanding species interactions in the region鈥檚 freshwater ecosystems.
鈥淭he Cardrona remains a valuable sports fishery, but this project shows there鈥檚 also room to recognise and protect the special native species still hanging on in remote corners,鈥 he said.
While most of the research into the Clutha flathead has been in the Cardrona catchment, field work has also been done in the Nevis, Little Valley near Alexandra, Queensbury and near Lawrence.
As well as distribution mapping, the research has expanded into the Clutha flathead鈥檚 life history 鈥 including spawning age, egg size, abundance and the downstream drift of newly hatched larvae. These insights will help inform how native and sports fish can be managed together in shared catchments.
The Donald Scott Memorial Trust Scholarship was established to honour the legacy of the late Donald Scott, a pioneering freshwater advocate. His wife, Pat Scott, played a central role in launching the scholarship fund in 2022 through a generous donation.
Otago Fish & Game chief executive Ian Hadland said the research aligns with the organisation鈥檚 balanced approach to species management.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to supporting resilient ecosystems that support both native fish and a world-class sports fishery,鈥 he said.
鈥淭his work, guided by our regional species management and interaction policy, shows the value of partnerships in getting there.鈥