Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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site specific
region wide
Protecting threatened river fauna
Parks, Conservation & Lands Aquatic Ecologist Ben Broadhurst checks nets on Bendora Reservoir
Aquatic Ecologist Jason Thiem hauls fyke net to monitor native fish
Checking a two-spined blackfish collected as part of the monitoring
The demand for water in Canberra is at an all time high. And, in the Australian Capital Territory's Cotter River, this is closely linked to the future of threatened species like Macquarie Perch, Trout Cod and Two-spined Blackfish.
A research project is underway to learn more about the Cotter River's aquatic ecosystem and how to improve the river's health through environmental flows releases of freshwater specifically with the purpose of benefiting aquatic ecosystems.
Funding
The project is being supported with $184,000 through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust. The ACT Government has provided in-kind contributions.
Activities
Project leader, Brendan Ebner, said radio-tags would be attached to crayfish, turtles and three different types of fish.
"Radio-tracking of three species in the lower Cotter River will be used to describe patterns of habitat-use under low flow conditions and during periods of environmental flow," Brendan said.
"Particular attention will be given to the endangered Macquarie Perch population in the lower Cotter River. The current distribution of this species is being assessed to see if the fishway at Vanity's Crossing - which was installed in 2001 - has led to an expansion of the breeding grounds of the Macquarie Perch.
"Surveys of large fauna including crayfish, frogs, aquatic reptiles, aquatic birds and pest fish populations are being carried out along the river. Much of this information will help assess the recovery of the river ecosystem from the devastating 2003 bushfires."
Achievements
The project aims to develop a way to investigate the movement and habitat use of large aquatic fauna in relation to environmental flows.
This should provide a tool for modifying environmental flows to help threatened species and cater for the needs of large aquatic animals. This should help maximise the use of water that is set aside for protecting aquatic ecosystems.
More information
- Brendan Ebner, project leader: (02) 6207 2119 or brendan.ebner@act.gov.au
See also
- About this NRM region
- ACT Government
- Australian Government facilitators
- Australian Agriculture and Natural Resources Online
- Guide for integrating capacity building into regional NRM planning
- NAP bilateral agreement
- NAP and NHT programme reports
- NHT bilateral agreement
- Overview guidelines for community engagement by regional NRM bodies
Key
Links to another web site
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