Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on April 22, 2011, 01:18:38 PM
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The river blackfish is back
The river blackfish are breeding in the Bremer River, near Lake Alexandrina, for the first time in more than four years.
Surveys in the area in 2007 and 2009 found very few adult fish and no juveniles, however a recent survey found healthy juveniles.
Collaborative efforts over the past four years have aimed to prevent the species from becoming extinct.
It’s thought that these conservation efforts, along with the return of freshwater inflows due to last year’s winter rains and good water inflows in recent months will enable this river blackfish population to survive and thrive.
More information: www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/stories/mediareleasesMAR11/river%20blackfish.pdf
Info Source: NSW DPI
Picture: Gunther Schmida
For those who cannot open or read the attached pdf, see below media release from
Hon Paul Caica
Minister for Environment & Conservation
Minister for the River Murray
Minister for Water
CONSERVATION EFFORT HELPS SAVE ENDANGERED FISH SPECIES
An endangered native fish is breeding near the Lower Lakes for the first time in more than four years following good inflows into the system and a collaborative conservation effort to help save the species in South Australia.
Minister for Environment and Conservation Paul Caica said a recent survey found the River Blackfish is breeding in the Bremer River, near Lake Alexandrina, signifying the species is recovering.
The River Blackfish was once found throughout the SA River Murray Channel and connected tributaries and creeks, as well as in the South East. However the species has suffered a dramatic decline since the mid 2000s due to low inflows into the streams and tributaries and extended drought.
“There’s been no sign of this native freshwater species in the River Murray for 50 years and only small patches remaining in the Lower Lakes tributaries, including the Bremer River,” Mr Caica said.
“Annual surveys conducted between 2007 and 2009 found very few adult fish and no evidence of breeding activity. However in a recent survey, 85 juvenile River Blackfish were found at Rodwell Creek, in the Bremer River catchment.
“The juvenile River Blackfish found during the survey are considered to be in a good condition.”
Mr Caica said collaborative efforts have been underway since 2007 to prevent River Blackfish from becoming extinct, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, SARDI Aquatic Sciences and Aquasave working with landowners to ensure the species survived the drought.
“Critical environmental water has been provided to Rodwell Creek, and a pump and aeration system was installed to keep the fish alive and healthy through the recent drought period,’’ he said.
“The conservation effort, along with the return of freshwater inflows due to winter rains, has gone a long way to help ensure the River Blackfish will survive and thrive in the River Murray system.
“Researchers, managers and the community have been working together to save this population of River Blackfish as a symbol of broader restoration across the catchment, and these early signs of recovery are great encouragement for the on-going conservation efforts.”
River Blackfish, sometimes known as Slipperies or Muddies, are a nocturnal, predatory fish which grows to around 35cm. They rely on healthy food chains and habitats and are good indicators of waterway health.