Press release

Official Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust media releases.

Press release: Threatened Northland mudfish takes out Fish of the Year crown after late surge

The Northland mudfish has completed a remarkable victory in Fish of the Year 2026, having first taken the lead with less than 24 hours left to run. It takes the crown from the blobfish, whose viral 2025 victory took the competition to an international audience. The mudfish prevailed despite vigorous campaigning from its competitors, with scales flying in schools, dive shops, and on airwaves and social media across the country. All up, 5896 New Zealanders cast their vote, a ne

PRESS RELEASE

Mar 162 min read

Press release: CONTROVER-SEA! Human enters Fish of the Year competition at halfway point

Man re-writes rulebook as longfin eel and whale shark take the lead An unprecedented late entrant has shaken up New Zealand’s favourite aquatic popularity contest. Whale shark and longfin eel/tuna are neck and neck, with big-belly seahorse/manaia currently rounding out the top three on the Fish of the Year leaderboard. However, the registration of ‘honorary fish’ Jono Ridler has left some fellow contenders feeling salty. While ineligible for the overall crown, members of the

PRESS RELEASE

Mar 92 min read

A video of people enjoying the snorkel day

Press Release: Dramatic increase in Maitai Bay fish life leaves locals in awe

Community celebrates success of hapū led marine protection More than 250 locals and visitors have been left in awe at the abundance of marine life at Maitai Bay in the Far North. The bay has been under a strict ‘no take’ rāhui for nearly nine years, since local hapū Te Whānau Moana me Te Rorohuri took action at the alarming decline in fish numbers. To see the impact of the protections, the bay’s annual community snorkel day was hosted by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

PRESS RELEASE

Jan 222 min read

A Call for Action: Protecting Our Crayfish to Save Our Reefs

Based on extensive peer-reviewed science and recent High Court rulings, we’re urging the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to implement the maximum feasible reductions in Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and introduce targeted spatial closures. This is the only way to restore the ecological balance our reefs and marine ecosystems desperately need.

PRESS RELEASE

Sep 22, 20254 min read