Anecdotal reports of aquatic life dying following poisoning operations is not uncommon. After the January 2016 aerial 1080 drop near Turangi (the second in the area in twelve months), locals reported numerous cases of dead trout found in streams and around the shoreline of Lake Taupo itself. The “Toxic Flightlines Map” for the area shows that 1080 poison bait was dropped directly into streams feeding the famous trout fishing rivers, Tauranga-Taupo, Waimarino, and Wiaotaka. The Department of Conservation issued a statement saying the dead fish were normal for the time of year. However, Rhys Barrier (Nelson/Marlborough manager) said “rainbows are more likely than browns to actually eat baits, so if it ever happens again get the locals to grab a couple of fish and freeze them for analysis. Fish do die in hot periods or after spawning, but this is pretty rare to observe in my experience.”