Little Forest Fish Screen
Little Forest Fish Screen
The project is designed to prevent pest fish and native fish species from entering the Little Forest when pumping environmental water from the Murray River.
Capacity to Deliver -
LP021-041
The issue
The project is designed to prevent pest fish and native fish species from entering the Little Forest when pumping environmental water from the Murray River. Pest fish outcompete and displace native species and damage natural ecosystem functions. Native fish are diverted from their primary habitat in the Murray River onto a terminal ephemeral floodplain that has no connectivity back to the river.
The solution
WMLIG were successful in a funding application via the Murray Darling Healthy Rivers Program to install fish screens on two private pump intakes from the Murray River that deliver environmental water to the Little Forest. The sites will be used as local demonstration sites to illustrate how the fish screens work to other irrigation businesses, especially private diverters from river systems. Where fish screens have been installed in other regions, there have been positive operator feedback, especially as there is a reduction in maintenance downtime from system blockages – a win:win outcome.
The impact
It has been estimated that up to 80% of fish larvae and adult fish are currently extracted from the Murray Darling Basin system via irrigation water diversions. It is anticipated that the health of aquatic native flora and fauna in the LF will be improved as a result of the project. NSW Department of Primary industries (Fisheries) have been working with landholders, irrigation trusts and companies to incentivise the installation of fish screen technology. It is anticipated that there will be financial support for uptake in the local region. Fish screens will be purchased from AMWA, a local business in Cohuna (30km away) which will provide local manufacturing jobs and economic stimulus. Amoretto Almonds has attended a preliminary information session and is already meeting with manufacturers regarding implementation of fish screens on their pump intakes.
Key facts
- 2 Fish Screens to be installed
- Reducing wetland degradation and improving native fish outcomes
- Collaborating with local landholders and government agencies
- Supports local manufacturing and economic stimulus