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Wetland Restoration Doubles Longfin Eel Biomass in Two Years

7/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers restored wetlands and added woody habitat along Waituna Creek, doubling longfin eel biomass in two years.
Restored wetlands supplied abundant inanga, a migratory whitebait, which accelerated eel growth when the lagoon’s barrier beach stayed open to the sea.
Otolith analysis of eels from local iwi showed faster growth in open-year conditions than in closed years with few inanga.

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Story summary

Researchers restored wetlands and added woody habitat along Waituna Creek, doubling longfin eel biomass in two years.
Restored wetlands supplied abundant inanga, a migratory whitebait, which accelerated eel growth when the lagoon’s barrier beach stayed open to the sea.
Otolith analysis of eels from local iwi showed faster growth in open-year conditions than in closed years with few inanga.