Fish Rescue attempt at Menindee - Update

7 Feb 2019

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has removed 20 stressed Murray Cod from the pool immediately downstream of Weir 32 near the Menindee township.

The operation began at 6.30am this morning, where a variety of nets were used to remove the fish from the water.

The fish, which all measured between 80cm-100cm, were then placed in a DPI Fisheries fish transport truck, which is aerated and temperature monitored.

The 20 Murray Cod are currently on the road to Narrandera Fisheries Centre, where it is hoped they will regain health for future breeding and re-stocking purposes that will directly benefit the native fish community of the Lower Darling River.

The fish are being taken to Narrandera Fisheries Centre, as it is expected the water quality and monitoring systems there will give them the best chance of recovery.

It is expected that the 20 Murray Cod will have a productive potential of more than 100,000 fingerlings per year.

These fingerlings will then be available for future restocking efforts in the Lower Darling, and will ensure the ongoing genetic and cultural connectivity of these fish with the existing populations in the river.

Generally, relocating fish is not a preferred solution because of the additional stress it places on already stressed fish, however fisheries experts from DPI are prepared to do whatever they can to help the State’s native fish during these exceptional circumstances.

DPI Fisheries made the decision to proceed with this relocation due to the need for WaterNSW to cease flows from Weir 32 in the near future to maintain town water supply.

This would leave the Murray Cod even more susceptible to stress from low levels of dissolved oxygen.

In addition to this fish rescue, DPI is continuing to monitor water quality and is finalising an assessment of temporary aerators placed within the Darling River which provide localised water quality benefits and refuge for fish.

DPI remains on alert for fish deaths in the Lower Darling and a number of other high risk sites across the State, and is continuing to monitor these locations.

Media contact: Leesa Ronald 0447 510 397