Like Australia's Great Barrier Reef the pristine waterways of New Zealand are being destroyed by intensive agricultural practices used by the Dairy corporations.

Excessive use of petrochemicals combined with massive irrigation is causing significant nutrient run off into the rivers and lakes that hold some of the best Brown and Rainbow Trout in the world.

Trout are a reliable indicator of water health as they do not tolerate pollution but it is no secret that many previously pristine waterways are now devoid of life and many clearly polluted.

The use of petrochemicals is unnecessary as bio-fertilizers seriously reduce nutrient run off while  delivering effective plant growth and in the process healthier soil.

Profits can be enhanced but the problem lies with maintaining the profits of the huge petrochemical corporations.

This is an urgent situation that needs action now.

Flyfishers and others have the necessary strength of numbers and those with public profile can achieve much before it is all to late and our grand children will have only stories of wild Browns rising  to a delicately presented  fly.