Operation fish rescue: stranded Aussie bass saved

A commercial fisher, staff from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Rous Water worked together to save native fish downstream of Rocky Creek dam, north-west of Lismore.

"The fish - Australian bass - were being threatened by low dissolved oxygen levels in the water," said Sarah Fairfull, Program Manager with NSW DPI's Fisheries Management Branch.

"The bass entered the pool during the recent floods and became trapped when the flows receded. The pool is also home to a large quantity of aquatic plants which are extracting the available oxygen from the water.

"About 15 fish have died over the past week, and initially dissolved oxygen conditions were fine. But over recent days the oxygen levels have fallen and we decided to rescue the remaining fish and release them safely downstream and within the dam," said Ms Fairfull.

"About 70 Australian bass of various sizes have been successfully relocated."

Rous Water has agreed to pay the commercial fisher's costs to help with the rescue to save the remaining healthy bass from the pond.

"Rous Water's contribution and involvement is greatly appreciated and will help to ensure healthy bass stocks in the Rocky Creek system," said Ms Fairfull.

Wayne Franklin, Rous Water's Operation Services Manager, said Rous Water had been well supported by DPI staff and the commercial fisher, Graeme Loy, during the operation and would like to publicly thank them for the effort and cooperation.

MEDIA CONTACT: KRISTINA RESANCEFF

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