Local fish restoration operation nets rare find

21 August 2023

Almost 40 rare River Blackfish have been discovered and returned to the Wakool River in a collaboration between Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG), Watti Watti, Wamba Wamba (Barapa Barapa) Traditional Owners, the Edward Wakool Angling Association and Murray Irrigation.

The River Blackfish were among 134 native fish captured and restored to the river as part of a joint fish salvage program that has been running during Murray Irrigation's winter maintenance program.

The majority of the fish recovered from the irrigation canals during the operation were Murray Cod, with the largest measuring in at 86cm.

Other species collected included eight Golden Perch, three Murray Crayfish as well as four critically endangered Silver Perch, and two endangered Trout Cod.

Watti Watti Traditional Owner, Tracy Davis, was among the dedicated team of volunteers to brave the muddy banks and cold water to net and relocate the fish.

“It’s a real benefit being able to return these native species to the river system and eradicate some carp as we go," Ms Davis said.

WMLIG Executive Officer, Roger Knight, said the group hopes to apply lessons learned for future collaborative fish recovery efforts.

"As a bonus, it is great to see 39 locally rare River Blackfish, as well as other threatened and important recreational fish being recovered and relocated to the Wakool River," Mr Knight said.

"Apart from a few isolated recordings of River Blackfish occurring in the Merran Creek and Wakool River over the years, this is a significant find."

Local freshwater scientist, Dr John Conallin echoed Mr Knight's sentiment describing, the discovery of the notoriously shy species, which were once common throughout the region's creeks and rivers, as "an unexpected find".

"The species is rare and, while some breeding has occurred in parts of the Wakool River, and possibly the Edward River, I can imagine most people around here - not even local anglers - would never have spotted a River Blackfish," Dr Conallin said.

"It's a privilege we have them in our area."

Normally measuring between 20-30cm, Dr Conallin described the River Blackfish as an "ambush predator" who likes feeding on yabbies and smaller fish.

"They're very elusive, preferring to hide out in dark rocky places all day and only coming out at night for a feed."

The joint fish salvage initiative was undertaken using contributing funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.

Murray Irrigation CEO, Ron McCalman, described the program as a positive illustration of what strong community partnerships can achieve.

"Murray Irrigation is always pleased to work with local groups and Traditional Owners to deliver good outcomes for the community and the environment, in this case helping to improve the long-term survival of threatened and endangered native fish in our region's waterways," Mr McCalman said.

Photo: Murray Irrigation Wakool Depot Plant Operator, Alex Badger, assists with the fish salvage program.

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