The first comprehensive fish survey of the lower Broken Creek in more than five years has revealed some promising developments.
The survey (conducted by Australian Private Fisheries Resources) set out to gauge native fish numbers and measure the colonisation of re-snagged sites in the creek.
It also sought to survey the fish community in the Nine Mile Creek and Katandra Weir pool for the first time.
The Goulburn Broken CMA’s Pam Beattie said the key findings were pleasing on a number of fronts.
“We were happy to see the number of native fish had remained stable since the last survey in 2016,” Ms Beattie said.
“It was also good to see there had been a drop in the population of carp in the creek.”
She said Katandra Weir was the site which supported the highest number of native species and was where the largest number of threatened Murray Cod were found.
“We were particularly excited to note that Murray Cod had expanded their range since the last survey and were now inhabiting the re-snagged areas of the creek, upstream from Nathalia.”
Ms Beattie said all Murray Cod and Golden Perch at the re-snagged sites were caught close to wood, either re-purposed snags placed into the river or wood that had naturally fallen into the water.
“It shows the preference our native fish have for woody habitat instream and that our re-snagging projects have been worthwhile because the sites are now being used by some of our threatened native fish.”
She said the Goulburn Broken CMA was exploring more opportunities to improve habitat in the creek.
“We’re always looking for avenues to improve habitat structure and flow within the lower Broken and Nine Mile Creeks to encourage a greater number and diversity of native fish.”
