Hundreds of dead eels discovered at Auckland’s Ōrākei Basin

• The Auckland Council is investigating after more than 200 dead eels were found in Ōrākei Basin.
• Pete Mazany discovered the eels and reported a “smell” while filming the scene.
• The council is conducting water tests to determine the cause and is monitoring the site.

The Auckland Council is investigating after hundreds of dead eels were found lying in an Auckland basin.

Pete Mazany was biking around Ōrākei Basin on Thursday evening when he discovered numerous dead eels lining the basin’s shoreline.

He said he counted more than 100 longfin and shortfin eels lying dead and noted a “smell” while filming the scene.

“These eels are the canary in the coal mine. We know that they die when the environment is imbalanced.

“Please, set up your task forces and do something, because this means other things are happening as well.”

A cyclist on a late-night ride at Auckland's Ōrākei Basin says he found more than 100 dead eels washed up on the shoreline. Photo / Pete Mazany

Mazany also said he received bites he had “never recognised before” while swimming in the basin.

Head of Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department Andrew Skelton said more than 200 dead eels have been found and removed in Ōrākei Basin since Thursday.

Ōrākei Basin's waters are 'flushed' out every two weeks. Photo / Richard Robinson

Skelton said the council is keeping a close watch on the site for any additional deceased eels.

“Across the organisation, we are currently undertaking a range of water testing to see if we can determine the cause and are awaiting results,” he told the Herald.

“We are not aware of any other eel deaths at other waterway locations.”

The Department of Conservation referred enquiries to the council.

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