At intervals, small clear water streams flowed from these wetlands across the beach. Further inland, there were also large areas of swamp. Away from the rivers most of the free water has been reduced to drains that seasonally dry up. The less tractable wetlands still have drains flowing through them which provide residual areas of eel habitat. But the next land development step, agricultural development, further increases the loss of habitat for eels.
Wetlands have a profound effect on the eel fishery.
They provide excellent areas in which to live and grow. Short-fin eels have adapted specifically to live in wetlands and thrive in this environment. The committee believes that wetlands should be available for eel fishing as it contributes to the local and national economy and is important for the cultural requirements of Maori communities. The practice of eel fishing is non-invasive, does not damage other flora and fauna, and can aid in the productivity of the wetland through the sustainable removal of a top predator. Wetlands form other important functions by acting as a nutrient scrubber and sediment trap.