This week, they started planting out Unamed Stream to create a habitat in to which, it is hoped, the endangered fish can be transferred and can breed.
The spring-fed stream runs through Robert and Sylvia Borst's property on Kakanui Valley Rd, then two other farms before joining the Kakanui River.
Doc identified the stream, with its clear, clean water and shingle bed, as a possible longjaw habitat, then approached Mr and Mrs Borst about developing it.
Having already fenced off and started planting this and other streams on their farm during the 15 years they have been there, they were keen to take part.
Mr Borst said they were aware of the spring-fed stream and had spotted shortfin eels in it, but did not realise it would be suitable for the lowland longjaw until they spoke to Doc.
With Mr and Mrs Borst on board, Doc then asked the Five Forks, Maheno and Kakanui Schools to take part in the community-based project to remove weeds and willows from the stream and plant native plants along the banks.
Mr and Mrs Borst would continue the programme downstream from the schools' planting.
Doc freshwater ranger Lan Pham said lowland longjaws would be captured from the nearby Kauri River and relocated to the stream. She hoped at least 50 could be released by the end of the year.
They would be monitored to see if the stream was a suitable habitat and whether they would start breeding.
