New Zealand’s fin-tastic popularity contest, Fish of the Year, is making waves with over 2300 votes cast since voting opened on March 1.
And so far, Orange Roughy holds the lead, fending off a school of challengers.
Fish of the Year spokesperson Kim Jones says Orange Roughy’s margin has remained steady since voting started.
“The Orange Roughy was quick to take an early lead, in contrast to this fish’s slow-moving nature.
“Strong campaigning from its campaigner Environmental Law Initiative included an endorsement from NZ Geographic which definitely helped boost its profile.”
However, with one week of voting to go, it’s still anyone’s race.
Fish of the Year voting is open until 5pm on March 16.
Currently battling it out for second place is the Whale Shark (backed by WWF New Zealand) and the Longfin Eel (backed by Matuku Link).
This is the first year the Whale Shark has been in Fish of the Year.
“The competition is heating up and, unlike our oceans, this is not due to climate change,” Jones says.
“Zealandia joined the race in the last few days and is campaigning for the mighty Īnanga (whitebait).
“Also adopted just this week was the Red moki, by The Friends of Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve Trust.”
To encourage people to vote and learn about New Zealand’s endangered fish, Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust is also offering a range of prizes, including a Rangitoto Sunset Kayak experience for two (with dinner) from Auckland Sea Kayaks, and a premium mask and snorkel set from Wettie.
There’s also a colouring competition for children.
“New Zealanders are encouraged to visit www.fishoftheyear.org.nz, learn a little about Aotearoa’s weird and wonderful native fish and cast their vote – but they have to do it before 5pm on Sunday,” Jones says.
Current Fish of the Year leaderboard from a pool of 44 nominees:
- Orange Roughy with 584 votes
- Whale Shark with 282 votes
- Longfin Eel with 280 votes
- Big-bellied Seahorse with 198 votes
- Great White Shark with 172 votes
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers marine and freshwater education, experience, and conservation initiatives.
Through its two key programmes Experiencing Marine Reserves and Whitebait Connection, it engages more than 10,000 New Zealanders each year from the Cape to the Bluff.
