Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Brighter prospects for endangered Trout Cod near Euroa
Efforts to protect Victoria's last breeding population of Trout Cod in Seven Creeks, near Euroa have developed more habitat areas for the critically endangered native fish.
Trout Cod are believed to have once been widespread in Victoria's northern streams. The fish seems to prefer habitat with lots of snags and other woody debris, as well as deep pools interspersed by relatively fast flowing rapids.
But today, many of these pools are filled with sand from erosion, following sustained clearing of streamside vegetation and unrestricted stock access. Systematic removal of fallen logs from river channels has further reduced fish habitat.
The only self-sustaining population of Trout Cod in Victoria now exists in a 10-kilometre section of the upper reaches of Seven Creeks, in the Goulburn Broken catchment.
A project to protect this population and extend its distribution downstream could see the fish moved from 'critically endangered' to 'vulnerable' lists.
Funding
The Australian and State Governments have assisted the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority in this project. Support has also come from the Arthur Rylah Institute and the Victorian Government's Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Activities
Goulburn Broken CMA's Strategic River Health Manager, Wayne Tennant, said increasing community and government organisation awareness of the Trout Cod's conservation status and survival was a key to the project's success.
"Fishing is prohibited in Seven Creeks where Trout Cod are found, so it's been very important to tell people how critical this ban is to the fish's chances of recovery," Wayne said.
With the help of landholders from the Gooram Valley and Strathbogie Tableland Landcare groups, stock-proof fencing has been erected along the entire 10-kilometre stream stretch to protect fish populations and areas of high quality habitat. The fencing has allowed native plants to regenerate.
Downstream of the stretch of water populated by the fish, 75-100 cubic metres of woody debris has been reintroduced to vary the creek bed and help create deep pools.
Achievements
Wayne said 12 deep pools, or fish refuges, had formed downstream of the more pristine stretch of Seven Creeks as a direct result of improvement measures such as the re-introducing wood.
"We've monitored Trout Cod movements and discovered that some fish have moved downstream to take advantage of new habitat," he said. "Hopefully this trend will continue as we progressively improve more sections of stream."
More information
- Wayne Tennant, Strategic River Health Manager, Goulburn Broken CMA: (03) 5820 1101 or waynet@gbcma.vic.gov.au
- Rebecca Nicoll, Waterways Vegetation Officer, Goulburn Broken CMA: (03) 5761 1611 or rebeccan@gbcma.vic.gov.au
- Goulburn Broken CMA
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window