River Murray resnagging works to recommence
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Resnagging in the Murray River between Hume Dam and Yarrawonga is progressing well with snags being placed in parts of the river to act as habitat for fish to spawn, feed and avoid predators.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Conservation Manager Adam Vey said the project works, which were carried out in July-October last year, have already seen more than 300 woody habitats (snags) placed in the river to assist the recovery of many native fish species including Murray cod and the endangered Trout Cod.
The project funded by the Murray Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) Living Murray Initiative is a partnership between the Victorian North East Catchment Management Authority, NSW DPI, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment and the MDBC.
The Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Unit within NSW DPI is conducting the work. The project aims to reinstate around 4000 woody habitats during the next three years and reverse the impact of desnagging works that saw almost 25 000 snags removed between 1976 and 1986.
Mr Vey said during the coming months, resnagging works would recommence, and snags would be placed at two new sites in the Murray River approximately 15 kilometres downstream of Howlong (between River Chainage markers 2098 and 2117), and approximately 20 kilometres upstream of Howlong (between River Chainage markers 2146 and 2160).
“This is a continuation of the resnagging work done near the Boiling Down Creek area, downstream of Corowa, and near Police Paddocks downstream of Howlong.
“The work will continue between May-October 2007, and will see a further 800 woody habitats from construction sites such as the Goulburn Valley Highway and various other local development projects, placed in the river for the benefit of native fish,” he said.
Mr Vey said that the cooperation of landholders had been invaluable to the success of the initial work.
“We have been working with landholders to ensure that the work does not impact upon them and the response so far has been positive.
“Many people are happy to be involved and are excited about the prospect of having a healthier native fish community in the River Murray,” he said.
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