Released 25/07/2017
The ACT’s native fish will soon be getting some ‘home improvements’ courtesy of the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to the Tharwa fish habitat project.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman today announced stage two of the construction of a series of artificial ‘log jam’ fish habitats to give native fish a helping hand as they move along the Murrumbidgee River.
“The artificial habitats are made of interlocking hardwood logs and rocks, which will provide shelter for native fish and help clear sand that has accumulated along the river bed,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The habitats will also deepen parts of the channel, allowing the fish to pass through sections of the river that have previously been inaccessible.
“The Murrumbidgee River channel in Tharwa has significantly degraded since the 1800s after a long period of land clearing, erosion and water extraction. Large sections of the river have been blanketed in sediment which smothers habitats favoured by native fish and prevents their movements along the river.
“As a result we have seen a decline in our local fish populations, which are currently estimated to be just 10% of pre-European levels,” Minister Gentleman said.
This project follows a successful trial undertaken in 2013, which tested the benefits of artificial habitats at the Tharwa site.
“We have since seen significant improvements where the 2013 structures were placed, with an increase of channel depth to more than two metres. This is a fantastic result considering the previous average for this stretch of river was a mere 40 centimetres,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The artificial habitats are providing spawning sites for native fish, offering places to hide from predators and encouraging algae and micro-organism growth for fish to eat. Healthier ecosystems have seen native fish thrive, with threatened species such as the Murray cod now outnumbering pest carp species. Platypus have even been sighted near the structures.
"We hope by continuing this project we will soon see further increases in the long-term viability of our local fish populations in the Murrumbidgee River and throughout the ACT's waterways,” Minister Gentleman said.
Tharwa residents will see construction start at the site in late 2017 or early 2018, depending on river conditions. About 1000 square metres of rock from Throsby will be used for the project, as well as salvaged trees from the Williamsdale solar farm.
“I look forward to seeing the rehabilitation of our native fish stocks and Murrumbidgee River habitat in the years to come,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
For further information on the project visit www.environment.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases