New projects are helping native fish survive and thrive in Australian waterways.

Over $630,000 in funding has been awarded in the last 12 months to support 16 innovative projects aimed at restoring fish populations and improving the health of river ecosystems. 

The initiative, under the Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Recovery Strategy, has seen community groups, government agencies, and environmental experts team up to tackle long-standing challenges.  

“We’ve supported projects that enhance river ecosystems, improve water flow and quality, and reduce competition and predation pressures from invasive species to give a fin up to our native fish,” says Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) chief Andrew McConville.

Several creative approaches emerged among the funded projects. 

In Victoria, volunteers created fish motels to help the Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon recover after its rediscovery in the area. 

In New South Wales, citizen scientists constructed floating habitat rafts, giving the Southern Pygmy Perch much-needed shelter and better survival odds. 

In South Australia, new surrogate wetlands were established to support breeding populations of the Yarra Pygmy Perch. 

Meanwhile, students in Victoria set up breeding stations for threatened small-bodied fish, combining hands-on learning with conservation efforts.  

Other projects focused on rescue and relocation. 

The critically endangered Murray Hardyhead found a new home in refurbished lakes, while teams translocated at-risk fish species like Flathead Galaxias to safe habitats. 

Innovative monitoring solutions were also tested, such as using Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Reader Stations to track fish movements in the Great Darling Anabranch.  

Approximately $411,000 of the funding came from the Australian Government, with a further $228,000 contributed by state agencies and local organisations. 

McConville has noted the wider impact of these efforts, saying; “In the end, it’s more than just fish - it’s about reviving our rivers and empowering our communities to protect the Basin for generations”. 

The MDBA says its Facebook page will provide photos and local outcomes from community action on native fish recovery.

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