Not just a muddy pond

Monitoring of the streams in Campbells Bay has shown the presence of kokopu, giant kokopu, eels and koura, red finned bullies, inanga, freshwater mussels and many different small macroinvertebrates. Volunteers have been restoring the edges of the stream with planting to provide habitat and shade which helps to keep the water temperature cool in summer.

Red finned bully

Threats to stream life include accidental sewerage discharges, pollution from contaminated stormwater drains (eg washing of cars, washing paint down drains), excess sediment from accelerated erosion and building sites.

Dogs running in the stream stir up sediment which impacts negatively on our native fish. Please consider the stream wildlife and keep your dog on a leash in the park near the stream.  The Bush Society has fenced off some sections of the stream to keep dogs and people out – this is allowing natural regeneration to occur to shelter the stream.

banded kokopu, bullies and koura found during fish monitoring in Campbells Bay

With the help of Restore Hibiscus & Bays, we are working with residents to restore the northern branch of the stream. We are engaging, upskilling and encouraging residents to protect and nurture the stream. Working together we are reducing pest plants, adding native plants and monitoring the stream for pollution.

Bush Society volunteers also regularly test the health of the Campbells Bay Stream. Water quality indicators include fish surveys, clarity, PH, phosphates, and macroinvertebrates (tiny animals living in water). 

Contact us if you want to get involved.