Fish survey starts on Richmond River

Fisheries scientists and local fishers will start the first assessment of fish stocks in the Richmond River this weekend, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

It follows the closure of the Richmond River on January 18, following major flooding that resulted in a massive fish kill.

Mr Macdonald said under the NSW Government’s $130,000 recovery package, local commercial fishers will assist scientists from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to monitor the rate of recovery of fish and crustacean populations.

"This survey is important for the entire region - it will help determine when the river can be re-opened to fishing," Mr Macdonald said.

"The survey will start on Sunday 17 February and continue for five days - boats will be marked with signs, indicating DPI fisheries research in progress.

"The survey has been designed to use several commercial fishing methods in various parts of the lower Richmond, from Coraki to Ballina and including the Recreational Fishing Haven.

"The survey results will be used with other water quality information to determine when fishing can resume on the Richmond River.

"The priority is to return the river to fishing as soon as fish populations have recovered."

NSW DPI chief scientist Dr Steve Kennelly said every effort would be made throughout the monitoring survey to release all fish and crustaceans as soon as possible, following capture.

"Any fish and crustaceans that do not survive will be sold through the Ballina Fishermen’s Co-operative," Dr Kennelly said.

"All the proceeds will be deposited into a trust fund for future management of the Richmond River catchment for viable recreational and commercial fishing."

Mr Macdonald said water quality monitoring by DPI and Richmond River County Council following the early January flood event found a significant improvement throughout the Richmond estuary by the end of January.

"However unfortunately further rains in the Richmond during February have slowed the recovery process, with the estuary receiving a lot of turbid runoff from the catchment," Mr Macdonald said.

"Further surveys will be conducted if and while fishing closures remain in effect."

The results of the fish survey will be presented to the Richmond Fish Kill Reference Group as soon as possible, following the completion of the survey. The group will then provide feedback to the Minister.