THE Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is part of a team effort to save native fish at risk of dying due to drying up waterways across the catchment.
The critically endangered Flathead Galaxias, affectionately known as the ‘Ghost Fish’, in the Molesworth billabongs and endangered Macquarie Perch in the Hollands Creek near Benalla are the focus of current efforts.
Goulburn Broken CMA is working closely with Arthur Rylah Institute, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Taungurung Land and Waters, Parks Victoria and North Central CMA on the fish rescue work.
Goulburn Broken CMA Environmental Water and Wetlands Manager, Simon Casanelia, said approximately 100 Ghost Fish were collected from several drying-up billabongs in Molesworth.
“Saving these Ghost Fish is a priority due to the rarity of the species,” Mr Casanelia said.
“Of the 100 collected, the majority went to two private dams with secure water levels and suitable habitat, and some went to the VFA Snobs Creek Conservation Hatchery for captive breeding that will also assist with species’ recovery.”
At Tatong, Hollands Creek has stopped flowing meaning Macquarie perch can’t move throughout the waterway and are instead stranded in isolated, receding pools of water.
“Around 15 juvenile Macquarie perch were moved to a deeper upstream pool and 15 mature Macquarie perch were moved to the Snobs Creek hatchery for safe keeping,” Mr Casanelia said.
“While it’s impossible to save all native fish and aquatic species impacted by the ongoing hot, dry conditions impacting the catchment’s rivers, creeks and wetlands, it’s so valuable we can take these actions.”
