Hunter fishway boosts native fish survival

Native fish and the health of the Karuah River are both set to benefit from a new rock ramp fishway at Stroud Weir.

The fishway has been funded by MidCoast Water, the Environmental Trust, and Natural Heritage Trust, with advice and support for the design provided by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

Work on the fishway was completed in early November. Monitoring of the site to determine how fish are moving through the fishway began this month.

This new fishway will significantly improve the health of the Karuah River, and provide benefits for recreational fishing in the Hunter.

The fishway works by mimicking a natural, shallow rocky area in the river, providing a series of small steps, and creating an overall gentle slope for fish to swim over the weir.

DPI Conservation Manager, Scott Nichols, said the fishway will really improve things.

“Many native fish are migratory and need to be able to swim – unobstructed – through rivers to breed and reach favourable habitats. Weirs can fragment habitats and isolate fish populations, which may result in a decline in the genetic diversity of fish and a greater susceptibility to disease.

“Anglers will also benefit from the improved fish habitat within the Karuah River. It’s estimated the fishway will provide more than 70 km of unimpeded fish passage, which will boost the breeding and health of native fish.”

Stroud Weir, owned by MidCoast Water, was built in 1966 to provide water for the township of Stroud.

“A detailed weir review undertaken by DPI found that the weir was impeding fish migrating upstream, which in turn affects the health of the whole Hunter River system,” Mr Nichols said.

There are many species of native fish within the Karuah River, including freshwater mullet, Australian smelt and the premier freshwater angling species Australian bass.

“The Stroud Weir Fishway highlights the importance of restoring our aquatic habitats.”