Fish free to swim to more areas in Central West

[Member]

Fish free to swim to more areas in Central West

01 Jul 2013 - NSW DPI 
Native fish in the Little River near Cumnock now have free access to more than 46 kilometres of prime habitat, thanks to a Recreational Fishing Trust Fish Habitat Action Grant project, which removed a fish barrier.
‘Keeping Big Fish Moving in the Little River’ - Stage 2 was implemented by Yeoval Fishing Club in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Cabonne Shire Council.

Close-up photo of Murray Cod - photo courtesy of Guntehr Schmida

DPI Senior Conservation Manager, Sam Davis, said the work is part of a three year project to address a number of fish passage barriers in the system.

“Native fish such as Murray cod need to be able to migrate to find food, shelter and to breed – it is essential to their survival,” Ms Davis said.

“A raised causeway at Heads Road, which provided access for landholders during all but very high flows but restricted fish passage at all other times, has been replaced by a fish friendly single span bridge.

“Now these works are complete, fish just have one remaining artificial barrier, the Obley gauging weir, which is in the pipeline for remediation.

“Once all the works are done fish will have access to habitat all the way to Little River’s junction with the Macquarie River.

“The project is helping to create more fish, naturally.”

Yeoval Fishing Club member Matthew Phillipson said the club has worked successfully with the project partners to provide an instant benefit for native fish.

“The project is providing better fishing for our kids and we are seeing that now in our creeks and rivers,” Mr Phillipson said.

Habitat Action Grants will again be available in August for recreational fishers, local Councils, conservation groups and individuals to improve fish habitat in their local areas and help to make more fish.

“I would like to encourage fishers, community groups and local Councils to start thinking how they can improve their local waterways to help benefit fish habitat for healthy fish populations,” Ms Davis said.

“It’s a good idea if individuals and groups start planning your project now, identify a habitat issue and decide on how you want to tackle it and what partners can help you achieve it.”

For advice on the Habitat Action Grants and assistance with project planning contact fish.habitat@dpi.nsw.gov.au or call 02 66261107.