Native fish numbers are expected to rise following successful works carried out on the Broken River.
Native fish numbers are expected to rise following successful works carried out on the Broken River.
Research by the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) shows native fish need "slackwater" habitats, or slow water to breed.
In autumn last year, (2006) the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority worked with the MDFRC to design and build slackwater habitats for native fish.
GB CMA Strategic River Health Manager Wayne Tennant said these areas provide protection for small fish from fast currents, large amounts of food and a hiding place for predatory fish.
"Logs were salvaged from storms and road works and placed in the river at three locations in a pattern to replicate natural habitats," Mr Tennant said.
"They were aligned with the banks to protect against erosion and maintain flows."
MDFRC monitoring shows a range of native fish are using the habitats including Murray cod, Yellow belly (Golden Perch), Silver perch and the endangered Trout cod.
"Natural habitat has been disturbed or removed over time which means native fish have had nowhere to breed," Mr Tennant said.
"These works have been very successful and monitoring shows the fish are using the constructed habitat.
"If the fish are using the constructed habitat, it is likely they will breed and fish numbers will rise.
"These works are part of an ongoing project to improve flow and habitat in the Broken River."
Release Ends
For more information contact:
Anna at Impress Publicity 58 212 651 or
Wayne Tennant at GB CMA 58 201 100 or
visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au