Supervising the Scientists

There were some interesting activities going on at the Omaka Ford over the Taylor River this morning. Apparently some stupid feckless person had released their unwanted goldfish into the Taylor River. There is a lovely deep pool just upstream from the culverts which run under the concrete slab of the ford.
Environmental scientists from the Marlborough District Council were busy using various pieces of gear in their attempt to capture the goldfish. It would be disastrous if the fish were left to breed at will as their presence would pose a big threat to native fauna in the waterways.
In this image Gypsy is taking a great interest in what was going on. In no time at all a number of dog-walkers showed up and we had 10 or more dogs racing around the area, in and out of the water having great fun. The Environmental Officers were pretty tolerant of the burst of canine activity, hoping that more goldfish would be flushed out.
When I caught up with the staff at the finish of my walk the tally was 12 goldfish captured and in the bucket and four more to go. Hopefully the pair of white-faced herons that live a little further upstream will take care of the remaining goldfish.