Answer

Yes. All works in or near waterways need consent.

Answer

If a waterway usually has water in it and the water depth is more than one or two centimetres, then it may contain fish and fish salvage may be required (https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Environment/Water/waterways-guide/Fish-Salvage-Guidance-for-Works-in-Waterways.pdf).

Answer

As soon as possible! We can provide advice on design, timing, and what you can and can't do, which will save you time and money in the long run.

Answer

Wrong! Most of our native fish species are cryptic and hard to see. Introduced fish like brown trout like to hang out in the open and are predators, but our native fish are generally small and need to hide! The best exception to this are our (usually) friendly eels that like to bask in the sun or come out looking for food from people.

Christchurch City is home to many native species, including five species of bully ⁄ toitoi, two species of migratory galaxiid (whitebait), two species of eels ⁄ tuna, Canterbury mudfish ⁄ kowaro, torrentfish ⁄ papanoko, lamprey ⁄ kanakana, flounder, smelt, mullet, koura, and freshwater mussels ⁄ kakahi.In the wider Canterbury area, there are also koaro and various species of non-migratory galaxiids.

Answer

We monitor a wide range of environmental aspects for a variety of purposes. We assess water and sediment chemistry, flow, stream and riparian habitat, aquatic invertebrates, and fish. We can monitor both spatial and temporal (over time) impacts on the aquatic environment.

Answer

We work with a wide variety of clients including District and Regional Councils, the Department of Conservation, Landcare Research, NIWA, farmers, construction companies, residential developers, farmers and viticulturists. Basically anyone who may have an influence on waterways and lakes.

Answer

AEL is based in Christchurch and we regularly work throughout Canterbury. We also work in Marlborough, the West Coast and Wellington. We have flexible working arrangements and can work throughout the country, and have undertaken some work overseas.

Answer

Yes. We can review your plans and provide guidance on how you can minimise the impact of your activity. To provide an accurate assessment of effects (see Assessment of Environmental Effects FAQ), we will need to undertake field investigations to determine the existing state of the environment and any potential impacts.

Answer

Absolutely! It's a great idea to consider environmental mitigation early, this makes the consent application process much smoother. By getting us involved early we can advise on plans, ensuring that the client objectives are met, and environmental impacts are minimal. In fact, many of our projects can benefit the aquatic environment for comparatively little cost if planned appropriately.

Answer

Any activity in or near a waterway may require resource consent. Such activities may include water abstractions, discharges, groundwater pumping adjacent to waterways and any work in the waterway.

Answer

AEE stands for Assessment of Environmental Effects. An AEE is usually undertaken for consent applications when the effect of an activity needs to be determined.

Answer

Anyone proposing to undertake work in or near a waterway should contact an experienced freshwater ecologist to see if their activity requires an AEE.

Answer

A resource survey is an assessment of the current state of any particular resource. For example, AEL undertakes work investigating the state of fish populations through both assessment of adult numbers and spawning habitat.

Answer

Yes! While engineers can design a functional space for people, and architects can make things look great, it takes an experienced ecologist to know what works for the local ecology. Many restoration projects that have not consulted or not followed a freshwater ecologist's advice have fallen well short of their potential. AEL can advise on how to maximise environmental benefits without compromising on look or functionality.

Answer

As soon as possible! We can provide advice on design, timing, and specific species habits, which will save you time and money in the long run.

Answer

This is the area along the river margins and banks where there is a direct interaction between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Riparian zones are critical for the health and functioning of waterways, providing food, shade and contaminant removal. In addition, the riparian zone is used by several native whitebait species for spawning.