Removal of large woody debris

Key threatening process

Removal of large woody debris from New South Wales rivers and streams.

Description

For many years the importance of large woody debris ("snags") in rivers was not realised and had been removed to improve flow and navigation. It is now known that large woody debris provides important habitat and shelter for native fish in the rivers of NSW. Snags are often used for breeding and resting locations and they provide shelter from predators. Snags also support other aquatic organisms that fish species use as a food source. The removal of large woody debris adversely affects several threatened species.

Fisheries Scientific Committee determination

More information