New habitat for threatened fish species
New habitat for threatened fish species
Local community groups have joined forces to improve fish habitat in the Deniliquin Lagoons.
Community Participation -
LP020-004
The issue
The Deniliquin Lagoons project is a community partnership that has been running since 2010. The lagoons were degraded, erosion was significant and overrun by introduced plants and carp, however local volunteers have removed pest species, established an endangered fish refuge area, a recreational fishing park and replanted native wetland plants into the waterway.
The local community has been very concerned about the endangered fish, having seen many get picked up by birds because they don’t have enough shelter. The water levels in the lagoons are managed to mimic natural flow patterns. When water levels are drawn down fish do not have access to snags which leaves them vulnerable to predators, like birds.
The solution
Volunteers from OzFish, Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group and Edward Wakool Angling Association have built fish hotels for the lagoons (pictured) and planted native vegetation to provide more complex habitat for threatened fish.
The work will improve the habitat for threatened Southern Pygmy Perch and Eel-tailed Catfish, commonly known as freshwater catfish.
These new snags and native vegetation are critical fish habitat, providing places for fish to feed, breed, shelter from the sun and seek refuge from predators, especially in the winter to hide from birds.
The impact
This is a good example of community groups working together to manage and restore their own habitats for endangered species.
The community is more connected to their environment through this project. The support from OzFish has allowed the volunteers to continue this important project and the Landcare group is starting to work with other towns to replicate this work.
This project has been made possible thanks to the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF, and the support of Edward River Council and Forestry Corporation of NSW.
Key facts
- 6 fish hotels constructed
- 20 volunteers involved
- $2,500 saved thanks to volunteer labour
- 100m2 Lagoon area covered providing habitat for 100's of small bodied fish to hide from predators