A remnant population of Macquarie Perch is being given a second chance, with work underway to improve fish passage for this threatened species at Burkes Crossing, on the Mongarlowe River in the upper Shoalhaven River, Industry and Investment NSW Conservation Manager, Scott Nichols, said today.

The work to improve the passage of native fish species is nearing completion and involves replacing inadequate pipes at Burkes Crossing.

"The current causeway structure acts to block fish passage until it is overtopped due to the 4 small pipes producing high water velocities that fish cant swim against," Mr Nichols said. "By replacing the pipes with 3 large box culverts, water velocities will be reduced, while water depths will be retained under the crossing to allow for fish migration.

"Many native fish need to migrate as part of their life cycle, and Macquarie Perch is one of these - moving between different sections of a waterway to breed, feed, and avoid predators.

"Structures such as road causeways and weirs can affect the ability of juvenile and adult fish to move upstream, limiting the habitat available to native fish and isolating populations.

"The works are great news for this threatened native species, with the improvement to fish passage allowing fish to access more than 20 kilometres of excellent upstream habitat.

Other smaller species such as common jollytail and gudgeons will also benefit from the project.

Northangera Road is closed at the crossing while works are underway, however an added bonus for vehicles using this road is the crossing will not overtop as readily as has previously occurred, allowing it to be used even when flows in the river are elevated.

The $130,000 project is funded by the Federal Government through Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, as part of the Bringing Back the Fish project, with the works undertaken by Palerang Council.

Further reading

Fishways

Fish friendly road crossings

Media contact: Sarah McGregor 0427 075 167