“Streams small and dense like the veins of a leaf” Have you ever considered that description could be about Copedo Stream? Auckland’s streams make a short journey to the sea. They form small valleys with low ridges.
Copedo Stream is a waterway in New Zealand. It is part of Auckland’s unique landscape. All that rain in Auckland ends up in the sea. Most of it runs downhill. It removes soil and rock. That forms these small valleys.
Auckland streams are small due to the short distance to the sea. They create a dense pattern like veins on a leaf. Native fish love these shady streams. They are close to productive estuaries. The Tamaki and Wairoa are examples. These river valleys drowned at the end of the last Ice Age. They are places where young fish can feast.
The drainage pattern in Auckland is sometimes hard to see. Many swamps once existed. Over forty-nine volcanoes spewed scoria and lava across the region. This changed the drainage patterns. Queen Street in Auckland was once the Waihorotiu channel. Now it flows underground in pipes. Creeks are tidal streams. They were once deep enough for boats to anchor. Drains and ditches are streams re-channeled. This was done for the convenience of landowners. Waterway and watercourse are terms for any water. It can be overland flow or an estuary.
Healthy streams have clear cool flowing water. They have pools, riffles and runs. Native bush covers the stream edges. This provides shade food and places for creatures to hide.
Macroinvertebrates or bugs are important for stream health. Some are more sensitive to pollution. A healthy stream has a variety of bugs.
New Zealand has unique freshwater fish. Many are only found in this country. Introduced species like Gambusia can harm native fish. They compete for food and habitat. Streams are impacted by pipes and dams. This changes the habitat for fish. They have less food and fewer places to hide. Pollution also enters streams from drains.
Remember stormwater drains lead directly to fish habitats.