The Waitaki Fisherpersons decided they would take action.  Realising Fish and Game needed help from volunteers, the Fisherpersons decided to do something under the guidance of Fish and Game.

The Waitaki Riparian Enhancement Society Inc. ( WRES) delivers the day-to-day operations at the Waitaki Volunteer Hatchery under Fish and Game oversight. Fish and Game holds the resource consents for the hatchery and ensures that the relevant conditions are met. Fish and Game also sets the breeding and release regime and applies a tiered broodstock sourcing plan that WRES follows.