Tarcutta Creek restoration delivers better fish habitat
OzFish Wagga Chapter volunteers are taking action to repair Tarcutta Creek and improve vital fish habitat. Recent flooding severely eroded sections of the creek causing water quality, turbidity, and sedimentation issues.
OzFish Wagga Chapter, in partnership with local contractors, have recently undertaken the first part of a project addressing the erosion.
More than 20 large woody logs and 150 tonnes of rocks were strategically positioned in the creek to support the riverbank, reduce further erosion and ensure there will be a variety of available habitat for native fish.
The combined works will support native fish targeted by local recreational fishers, including Golden Perch and Murray Cod, as well as enhancing habitat for populations of the protected species, Trout Cod.
The next stage will tackle fencing the waterway to prevent stock followed by re-vegetation along the bank.
The President of OzFish Wagga Chapter, Hugh Kanaley has been at the forefront of the project overseeing the first component.
“OzFish Wagga Chapter volunteers have been working hard rehabilitating the instream habitat to create a healthier, sustainable system for our native fish,” Hugh said.
“Any recreational fisher will have a story of their local catch from this waterway, and we want to provide more opportunities for local fishers to be able to do that into the future.
“When the works are completed, native fish will have more areas to rest, shelter, breed and feed which is great for our fish and great for fishing.”
The project has been supported by NSW DPI Fisheries’ Recreational Fishing Trust’s Habitat Action Grant, BCF – Boating Camping Fishing and the local recreational fishing community.
OzFish Wagga Wagga would like to recognise the valuable support of its members, volunteer recreational anglers and key stakeholders. To support more of this work, please donate to OzFish over the counter at any BCF store or join the local volunteer chapter and help out in the upcoming planting day.
