The occurrence and distribution of fishes in streams draining the beech forests of the West Coast and Southland, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Surveys of fish faunas of streams draining low altitude beech (Nothofagus spp.) forests of theWest Coast and Southland revealed low species diversity, and, for most species, low numbers. The fish faunas of these streams are typical of much of New Zealand, with no unique species or faunal associations present in the areas. Some species support minor commercial and recreational fisheries, and it is important that existing fish populations be preserved as far as is possible. However, it is considered that if proposed reserves are set aside, erosion controlled by careful logging and forestry management practices, and a policy of retaining riparian buffer strips of undisturbed forest instituted, there should be adequate protection of the fish populations. © 1977 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.