Results from recent fish surveys have highlighted that Hollands Creek is benefiting from the work the local community has contributed to the Hollands Creek Demonstration Reach Project (HCDR). The Hollands Creek Project focuses on the protection of the critically endangered fish – the Macquarie perch.These results are encouraging and follow the recent announcement of further funding to continue works to protect the endangered Macquarie perch and enhance stream health.
Results from recent fish surveys have highlighted that Hollands Creek is benefiting from the work the local community has contributed to the Hollands Creek Demonstration Reach Project (HCDR). The Hollands Creek Project focuses on the protection of the critically endangered fish – the Macquarie perch.These results are encouraging and follow the recent announcement of further funding to continue works to protect the endangered Macquarie perch and enhance stream health.
Wayne Tennant, Manager Strategic River Health at the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) said "A key element of the project is to assess changes in stream health and the fish communities which would benefit from improved stream conditions."
"Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, a partner in the project, has undertaken surveys on an annual basis" said Mr Tennant. "The design of the monitoring project has been developed in consultation with the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Demonstration Reach Steering Committee, including the MDBA's Independent Scientist.
"This year's results have shown an increase in the Macquarie Perch population in the last 12 months, together with the highest abundance of Macquarie Perch since surveys began in 2008. Other species seem to have also benefited with an increase in the River Blackfish population and the Two-Spined Blackfish population in the last 12 months, and Brown trout have recorded a more than three-fold increase in abundance from 2011 to 2012.
In addition, no predatory Eastern Gambusia (Mosquito Fish) were recorded in the HCDR in 2011 and 2012. This is good news for the health of native species in the system.
The exciting results build on the success of previous work and actions being undertaken by the community, which have involved significant on-ground works along Hollands Creek over the past three years. However, further protection over the coming years is still required to protect this critically endangered species and the health of Hollands Creek.
Anyone wishing to become involved are requested to contact the Goulburn Broken CMA on 03 5820 1100. To find out more please visit Holland's Creek Demonstration Reach