The water was as clear as gin.

What a successful day we have had with over 2200 fish reaching the wild.

It was another early start as our first trip this morning saw the release of 1200 hearty kingfish enter the crystal clear waters of Houhora, adjacent to the game fish club. In attendance were some 40 locals who were keen to see these fish off to a good start in their new surroundings.

The water was described by Andrew Bond our Sanford work horse as phenomenal clarity and as the kingfish left the chute they could be seen to quietly head out into their new home waters 50-60-even 100 meters away as they disbursed. It was a sobering and satisfying feeling of putting some thing back as the many locals gave the occasion their blessings. In enquiring later as to how it all went, many of the locals were impressed that recreational fishers and Sanford Limited could come together in a community project such as this to ensure its success.

1200 kingfish, with some 300 of them carrying the unique kingfish go wild tags, released into the confines of Houhora has got to be the opportunity to be able to provide better information in the future. Once again there were no casualties which is a credit to the professionals from NIWA and Lawson Cartage who have given us the fantastic support and skills to shift these larger fish. The released school is made up of fish ranging in size from 250mm to over 400mm and I have to say the smaller fish were noticeable by their fewer numbers. There is a general view amongst the working team that this release was one of the most successful in terms of conditions and the way the fish seem to have taken the transition and there new environment.

Once unloaded the team returned to the farm for the next load destined for the Bay of Islands, Russell in particular. Time was marching on but the truck was soon loaded again with the four 2500 ltr tanks carrying another 1200 fish, a repeat of the morning. The trip to Russell was a bit longer as it did consist of a ferry crossing from Opua courtesy of Fullers Northland. Thanks guys its just great to see every one contributing their bit to the kingfish go wild campaign.

Once off the ferry it was a short trip to the Russell boat ramp near the centre of town where once again some 60 people and many children were present to witness the occasion. It was just as the sun was leaving the water when the first fish were released out in front of the Duke of Marlborough and as the fish spread out many of the local kids were up to their waists in water making sure the wayward fish who were headed for the shore and pub were turned back out to sea. Once again there were no casualties and as the sun went down in the west the local supporters went off to celebrate a job well done.

A great effort by all concerned, from the Parengarenga fish farm to the truck to the release sites. Well done all.

A frequent question asked is where did these kingfish come from and who are their parents?

Good questions and if I missed it in an earlier update. The kingfish have been bred in the NIWA Bream Bay Aquaculture Centre at Marsden Point. The parents of these kingfish were caught in the wild at the Mokohinau Islands on the East Coast. These fish went to the farm as fingerlings and are about seven to ten months old. They were one step away from the wild and now the lucky ones due to your support are returning to the wild.

On to another discussion I am heartened by the number of visits we are getting to our web site and by the support we are getting from others. In saying this I am disappointed to read in fishing chats negative comments in regards to the amounts some may have donated. Be it $5 or $2000 each and every donation is valued and should not be poked fun at. While many have given dollars others have given time or in many cases valuable media space. This is a team effort and every little bit counts, even if it is only positive support in the fishing chats.

Today was another pleasant surprise as I was preparing to leave for the NZRFC conference in Hamilton the postie delivered another cheque for $2000 from the Northland Branch of the Hospitality Assn. I love my post lass. My thanks goes to Vince Stead and his team for their excellent donation. Thanks Guys.

We will unfortunately have a few days gap as we take stock in the farm. Our next two loads if they are possible will mean some further travel with one to a very west coast extended destination. More on this later if we can pull it off.

In the mean time please keep your donations coming in and I maybe off line due to the conference venue only having intermittent internet.

A great days effort. Thank you one and all.

Keith Ingram.

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