Wimmera River’s Native Fish Thrive Amidst Rehabilitation Efforts
2022 Native Fish Report Card: Wimmera River
Download: Native Fish Report Card- Wimmera River 2022 PDF 4.9MB DOCX 983KB
Overview
The 2022 Native Fish Report Card (NFRC) survey for the Wimmera River provides insights into the fish community, focusing on key species with high recreational and conservation value. The survey covers eight sites from Gross Bridge at Drung Drung to just upstream of Lake Hindmarsh, Jeparit.
Key Species
– Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua)
- Population Health: Stable with multiple size classes and mature fish present.
- Stocking: Significant stocking efforts with 167,000 fish added in 2022.
- Monitoring Results: 39 fish caught, with the largest being 58 cm and 3.97 kg.
– Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus tandanus)
- Population Health: Low abundance, making it difficult to determine key health indicators.
- Stocking: No stocking has occurred.
- Monitoring Results: Only one fish caught in 2022.
Non-Target Species
- Large-bodied Native Species: Murray Cod and Silver Perch, both translocated.
- Small-bodied Native Species: Australian Smelt, Common Galaxias, Carp Gudgeon, Flatheaded Gudgeon.
- Exotic Species: Common Carp, Eastern Gambusia, Goldfish, Redfin, Roach.
Environmental and Management Context
- Low Flow Conditions: Present in all five sampling seasons.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: Include water quality improvement, erosion control, riparian habitat enhancement, and fish stocking.
- Management Plans: The Wimmera Native Fish Management Plan aims to guide strategic management and recovery of native fish communities.
Notable Findings
- Translocated Populations: Both Golden Perch and Freshwater Catfish are considered translocated in the Wimmera River.
- Incidental Captures: Other species like Yabbies and Long-necked Turtles were also recorded.
Conclusion
The 2022 Native Fish Report Card for the Wimmera River highlights the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the fish populations in this vital waterway. The survey results indicate a stable population of Golden Perch, supported by significant stocking efforts, while the Freshwater Catfish population remains low and challenging to assess. The presence of both native and exotic species underscores the complexity of the river’s ecosystem.
Rehabilitation and management initiatives, guided by strategic plans like the Wimmera Native Fish Management Plan, are crucial for improving the health of the river and its fish community. These efforts aim to enhance water quality, manage erosion, restore riparian habitats, and support native fish populations through targeted actions and environmental flow regimes.
The report also acknowledges the cultural and environmental significance of the Wimmera River to the Victorian Traditional Owners, emphasizing the importance of preserving and respecting their deep connection to the land and waters.
Overall, the NFRC program provides valuable insights into the fish community’s dynamics, informing better management practices and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Wimmera River’s aquatic ecosystem.
