Work continues Between Brewarrina & Bourke on the Barwon-Darling River

Members of the Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Unit of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will today begin tagging native fish and are asking local fishers to report any tagged catches.

The three year project, which is being funded by the State Government through the Western Catchment Management Authority, aims to improve aquatic habitat in the area and improve native fish populations.

Fish tagging is the first stage in research which will investigate the movement and behaviour of native fish through out the River system.

Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch will be captured and fitted with tags, with details of each fish recorded. 

DPI Conservation Manager, David Cordina, said the tags are yellow in colour and each has an identification number. The captured fish will also have a micro-chip device inserted into the shoulder to allow it to be scanned.

“Recreational anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to report their catch by calling the Tag Return hotline on freecall 1800 185 027 or by visiting the DPI website.”

All anglers who report a tagged catch and provide details of where and when the fish was caught will be rewarded with a prize and given the details of where their fish was originally tagged. Anglers are encouraged to return tagged catches alive to the river to enable further information to be gathered if the fish are recaptured at a later date.

“The information gathered from the tagged fish will give researchers a better understanding of fish migration and habitat use within our rivers. It can then be used to manage fish stocks more successfully,” Mr Cordina said.

Over the next few years, DPI staff will use fish survey data to help determine any change in distribution of fish populations and gauge the success of river rehabilitation works. These works could include strategic resnagging of the river channel, protection and restoration of river-side vegetation, removal of weeds and fish friendly livestock management practices.

Throughout the project, DPI will collaborate and consult with landholders, recreational fishers, local communities, indigenous representatives and the Bourke and Brewarrina Councils.

Photos are available