The Department of Conservation is asking farmers to build better habitats for eels and at the same time create cleaner water for their stock.
Whanganui-based biodiversity ranger Hannah Rainforth says it's not generally recognised how vulnerable and under threat the taonga species are.
She says eels need clean, cool water and good shade that comes from planting on the banks of streams.
She says that leads to cleaner stock water because less sediment and bacteria goes into streams.
