grow to maturity and other wetland species to breed. It is the largest of several wetland areas developed by the trust to increase the diversity and habitat of Waiau native species and improve the water quality of the river. The area was historically wetland which was drained to convert into farm land. The Waiau Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Trust was established in 1996 to mitigate the effects of the Manapōuri Hydro Electric Power Scheme. The trust works with landowners and farmers to improve waterways. "Farming has had an impact on the Waiau catchment so it was important for the Trust to engage with individual farmers and Landcorp who have several farms on the river." said Trust Field Officer Mark Sutton. By filtering agricultural run-off in smaller streams and ponds and fencing stock off from waterways, the overall health of the Waiau River is able to improve. An estimated 90% of New Zealand wetlands have been lost over the last 150 years due to being drained or filled. The lower Waiau River still has very few wetlands. 150–200 of New Zealand's endangered Black-Billed Gulls were found dead in the lower Waiau River in 2019, autopsies showed the gulls had died from starvation. Tourism In March 2007, the Fiordland Trails Trust was established to build a cycle trail along the banks of the Upper Waiau, linking the Township of Te Anau to the Township of Manapouri. A survey of the “Anduin Reach” was conducted in 2007, and landmark names were proposed based on the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It was decided that Anduin Reach should be the place name to help promote the future prospects of the Cycle Trail Project. Twelve wetlands are publicly accessible for walking and recreation. The Upper Waiau River is a popular spot for fishing for brown trout and salmon. In 2017, both the Southern Scenic Jetboat company and the Fiordland Jet Company started running jetboats on the Waiau River. Notes References Tony Busch. 2004. Trout Fishing: A Guide to New Zealand's South Island, Published by Stackpole Books, , 264 pages C. Michael Hogan. 2009. Crown Fern: Blechnum discolor, Globaltwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg Bruce fraser. 2009 "Fiordland Advocate 6 March 2009 page 3" Titled Name with a Ring to it Ian Brodie. 2002. The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook, Published by Harper Collins, , 96 pages the New Zealand Herald.2009. the Canberra Times.2009. Top