Rare native fish found

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Rare native fish found in Lancefield
23 July 2014 - Melbourne Water

​A small community of rare, native fish has been spotted by a Lancefield resident in recent weeks.

Mr Ian Miller found a number of Yarra Pygmy Perch in a dam adjacent to Deep Creek. The tiny native fish, once abundant in the swamps and lagoons of early Melbourne, are now extinct in most of the state, save for a small population at Deep Creek.

Melbourne Water Delivery Manager – West Region, Cameron Howie, said it was an exciting development for the area after years of evidence showing that numbers of Yarra Pygmy Perch were steeply declining in Victoria, due to loss of habitat and introduced predators.

“The Yarra Pygmy Perch is listed as a threatened species both in Australia and internationally, and is a small but important part of the area’s natural diversity,” said Mr Howie.

“Melbourne Water has been working with local community groups like Landcare to improve local habitat for the fish, including drought monitoring, weed removal and revegetation.

“We’re very grateful that Mr Miller brought this discovery to our attention, and it’s fantastic to see that our hard work is paying off.”

Mr Howie said local knowledge is instrumental to the success of this work, with landowners helping Melbourne Water’s river health specialists select sites for rehabilitation.

“We rely on landowners to make us aware of local conditions and other factors influencing the management of land, including livestock movements,” said Mr Howie.

“The discovery of the Yarra Pygmy Perch is a clear example of the biodiversity values that this area continues to hold. It is vital we keep taking steps with the community to care for the creek and the vegetation along its banks.”

Mr Miller is one of over 100 landowners in the Upper Deep Creek area to have participated in Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program, which aims to rehabilitate and protect waterways on private properties. 

This is complemented by Melbourne Water’s capital works program, which has invested more than $420,000 to rehabilitate sites in Lancefield in 2013/14.

Current projects include weed removal and vegetation planting along a 2km section of the creek adjacent to the Lancefield Golf Course. The project aims to improve fish habitat and provide more areas for refuge, especially during flood and drought.

Melbourne Water works in partnership with the Deep Creek Landcare Group to revegetate sites in Lancefield, as well as undertaking ongoing maintenance along crown land.
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