About to experience the underwater world of Lake Waikare are EMR volunteer snorkel guide Vanessa Martinovich (left), with Kaelin Calder, 5, Mathew Calder and Marin Calder, 7.
About to experience the underwater world of Lake Waikare are EMR volunteer snorkel guide Vanessa Martinovich (left), with Kaelin Calder, 5, Mathew Calder and Marin Calder, 7.
A unique night snorkel at one of Northland's premier spots has uncovered some rare marine life and given a never-before-seen insight into the night-time workings of a fresh water lake.
More than 200 people attended the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust's Whitebait Connection programme's open day events at Kai IwiLakes during Anniversary Weekend.
Some attending were locals and campers but many also came from other parts of Northland and Auckland just for the day.
This year's event had the unique addition of a guided night snorkel - believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Participants saw much more life than during the day because much of the lakes' life is nocturnal.
"Everyone saw eels, bullies and many also saw freshwater crayfish and very unique rare threatened fish, the dwarf inanga. The dwarf inanga looks like a small inanga (whitebait) and is closely related to inanga," Whitebait Connection's Kim Jones said.
"However, it is found in only 13 lakes near Dargaville in the North Island ... As its name implies, it is the smallest member of the Galaxiidae family in New Zealand. Specimens of over 80mm in length are rare, and mature adults may be only 40mm.
"Juveniles school around the lake edges where rushes and macrophytes provide shelter from predators ... They feed on zooplankton in open waters at night. Adults occur in deeper water near the middle of the lake and return to the littoral zone at night to feed on the larger invertebrates present there."
A rare longfin eel spotted in Lake Waikare during the guided night snorkel.
She said for many, the open day was a day of new experiences and learning first-hand how special the Kai Iwi Lakes are. There were also live and static displays and games on offer that showcased the unique and rare life residing in the lakes.
The event was organised by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust's Whitebait Connection programme in conjunction with the Northland Regional Council, Kaipara District Council, the Department of Conservation, Te Roroa, Nga Ripo Whanau Ora and also supported by all of the activity providers and Circus Kumarani who ran a barbecue.
It met many common objectives as well as helping to celebrate World Wetlands Day, Ms Jones said.
A dwarf inanga spotted in Lake Waikare during the guided night snorkel at Kai Iwi Lakes.
"I'm really pleased with how the day went - we had a great turnout and received fantastic feedback. It's looking like there'll be another open day in 2018 and we'd encourage anyone that wants to get involved to get in contact with us."
