Measuring the quality of the Kaikorai Stream with AKV Business+

We enjoyed a lovely day at our third session of AKV Business+. This was a hands-on water quality event with support from the Otago Regional Council. People from businesses across the Kaikorai catchment watched an electric fishing survey. This involved wearing a backpack that looks like something out of a ghostbusters movie, and waving an electric wand in the water which temporarily stuns the fish. They’re then caught in a net and the species is noted before being returned safely to the stream. Electric fishing surveys are a useful tool in learning about what is living in our waterways.

Next the participants did a more general survey of the stream and measured how murky the water was. The term for this was ‘turbidity’ and the participants were able to use the specialised equipment to measure it themselves. They also sampled the water and saw all the tiny invertebrates that were living in there! The Kaikorai stream may look dirty, but there are dozens of little creatures that call it home.

The final demonstration of the day was all about predator trapping. New Zealand evolved without possums and rats or any land mammals. They were introduced here with disastrous consequences. They damage our water quality by introducing bacteria such as E. coli, and eating the plant life that filters our water. They also eat our native wildlife that play such a pivotal role in our healthy ecosystems. Participants saw rat and possum traps in action and learnt how to trap safely so that people and pets are kept out of harms way.

AKV has greatly enjoyed engaging with local businesses. Many thanks to those from Turboweb, Design Arc, Salmac, Fulton Hogan, and Ribbonwood Nurseries who sent staff along to session 3. There is one more session to go in the Business+ programme and AKV is looking forward to welcoming the businesses and people again.