Gavin Marshall

Eels and me.

I have a long association with the eels of the Little Akaloa creek dating back to when I was only a small child. In those times there were many myths of how big they grew and how many ducklings they killed. Our parents fuelled our desire to rid the creek of this dreaded pest and we spent most of our waking hours when not at school in the pursuit of them.

My, how things have changed. That was 55 odd years ago and I have come the full circle. Yes they still take ducklings, but that has not stopped the ducks frequenting our creeks. I think, possibly, in even greater numbers. Nationally the eels have become and endangered species in certain waterways in New Zealand through mass commercial fishing.I now guard these guys from whatever threats I can

The eels pictured below are part of group which were protected and fed by the late Des Frankish over a number of years. We are so lucky to have them to take the grandchildren to appreciate. Thankfully other local residents have taken up Des's mantle and they are thriving.These shots were taken two summers ago and you may notice some of the bigger ones have their eyes going a misty blue colour. The eyes will eventually cloud right over as they prepare for their long journey in the salt water to spurn and start the cycle again. Some of these notable individuals were absent this year.

I have recently invested in a Sony A 6000 with a underwater case mostly to play in the surf with my grandchildren but as soon as it gets warmer and the eels wake up I want to join them in their environment to bring you some different perspectives of this fascinating creature.