IMPROVING FISH HABITAT CONNECTIVITY

Overview

This project is improving the connectivity of fish habitats in the nationally significant wetland areas and coastal ecosystems of the Murray and Lower Herbert.

Background

Australia’s freshwater fish species spawn in estuaries and then migrate upstream to wetlands where they mature into adults. This means that barriers  such as weirs, drains and culverts as well as aquatic weeds and feral pigs, are a threat to fish populations and diversity.

Solutions

  • Managing threats to wetlands including feral pigs and aquatic weeds.
  • Improving drainage and waterway management including erosion control
  • Removing fish barriers and installing engineered solutions such as fish ladders
  • Engaging with landholders about improving fish habitat on their properties

Location

Murray and Lower Herbert catchments

Partners

This project will engage widely with landholders, Traditional Owners, farmers, local government and local community organisations.

Achievements so far

  • Over 3300 fish barriers identified via desk research
  • More than 200 assessed on-ground to prioritise remediation works
  • Prioritisation final report prepared
  • 60 hectares of hymenachne aerial sprayed
  • 300 hectares of feral pig control
  • 2 hectares of riparian revegetation

Funders

This three-year project will run until June 2023 and is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust Phase VII program.

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