Rescue and protection of Macquarie perch from the upper Lachlan River system and investigations into captive breeding techniques
Freshwater Trust Allocation
2008/09 - $25,600
Rescue and protection of Macquarie perch from the upper Lachlan River system and investigations into captive breeding techniques
Aim
To preserve the threatened Macquarie perch population in the Lachlan River catchment and investigate captive breeding techniques of Macquarie perch for future re-introduction into a suitable refuge area within the Lachlan catchment.
Background
Redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) was introduced into Australia in the 1860’s and is now a widespread pest in southeastern Australia. Redfin perch have been recently discovered in a portion of the upper Lachlan River catchment, previously considered to be free of this species. Of primary concern is the potential impact of Redfin perch on two threatened species, Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica, and southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis as they are highly invasive and have been implicated in the decline of native species. The also have negative impacts on recreational trout fisheries. The upper Lachlan is regarded as one of the last strongholds of Macquarie perch.
This project aims to preserve Macquarie perch from the Lachlan river catchment by removing a representative portion of the population to secure refuge. A number of sites in the upper Lachlan catchment will be sampled on an annual basis in order to monitor the impacts of Redfin and the status of wild Macquarie perch populations. The project will also investigate captive breeding techniques of Macquarie perch, with a view to re-introducing captive individuals back into the wild following elimination of Redfin from this portion of the catchment or establishment of a suitable refuge area, isolated from Redfin perch.
