Customary tuna harvest connects Māori to place, whakapapa, and mātauranga. At Rotoroa in Nelson Lakes National Park, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō are reviving their tikanga‑based harvest of longfin tuna, prompting important questions about sustainability and kai safety.
An iwi‑led study—supported by scientific expertise including Fish Futures researcher Simon Stewart —combined mātauranga Māori with ecological and contaminant assessments. From 2022–2024, harvests were paired with tuna monitoring, biological sampling, and otolith (ear bone) analysis. Results showed low harvest pressure and moderate mercury levels, with healthier tuna containing less contamination.
This mahi aligns strongly with Fish Futures’ mission to reimagine freshwater fish management by partnering with Māori, integrating diverse knowledge systems, and understanding how ecosystems and people interact to shape freshwater futures. The project offers a practical model for iwi‑led freshwater management across Aotearoa.