Clubarham Small Bodied Native Fish Nursery
Clubarham Small Bodied Native Fish Nursery
CluBarham Lakes precinct was initially constructed in the 1980s and stocked with native fish species.
Collaborations
The issue
Since 2018, the CluBarham Lakes precinct has been closed to public access and has not been sufficiently maintained due to rising management costs.
Given its proximity to the Murray River and Eagle Creek, CluBarham Lakes precinct has been identified as an important ecological site to develop using environmental and consumptive water for threatened native fish breeding and hypoxic blackwater refuge.
The solution
WMLIG provided professional project management experience and on-ground coordination of cross-community organisations, within the agreed framework of CluBarham and operating conditions of state and federal organisations.
Revegetation works of stage 1 have rehabilitated habitat ready for breeding of small bodied native fish developing community led partnerships between students and volunteers.
Future stages of this rehabilitation project will continue to strengthen cross-community connections and capacity building within the Barham community through co-design. This has allowed voices from across the community to be heard in the redevelopment of this valuable site.
The impact
Revegetation works of stage 1 have habitat ready for breeding of small bodied native fish in the coming months.
DNA research has determined suitability for translocation to other sites as the self-sustaining population of endangered Freshwater Eel Tailed Catfish have a strong and diverse genetic composition.
Regular engagement of Barham High School students and Barham Landcare volunteers is developing intergenerational partnerships and connections.
Key facts
- 45 school students engaged over 10 weeks
- Barapa Barapa Nation representatives engaged as subject matter experts
- 10 Community Groups involved
- Strong social media engagement