OzFish gets dirty for 35,000 threatened Carter’s freshwater mussels

OzFish volunteers of the new Geographe Chapter in WA have assisted with the rescue and relocation of more than 35,000 protected Carter’s freshwater mussels as part of the Vasse Diversion Drain project in Busselton earlier this month.

The volunteers worked tirelessly over three days assisting Water Corporation contractor Indo-Pacific Environmental to ensure the mussels made it safely to their new home in the Vasse further upstream.

WA Program Manager for OzFish Andrew Matthews was amazed by the results of the community to roll up their sleeve for the future of fishing for the region.

“Carter’s freshwater mussels are the only freshwater mussel species in the south west of WA. They play an important role in our waterways as ecosystem engineers by purifying water and making it more suitable for not only themselves but other species,” Mr Matthews said.

“We didn’t expect to rescue that many mussels so it is a great result.

“It was wonderful to see the community get involved and the perfect way to kickstart our latest OzFish Chapter in Western Australia.

“The Geographe Chapter is hoping to undertake a whole range of fish habitat restoration projects in the region including riparian planting along the Lower Vasse River and creating nutrient stripping ponds that will filter and purify run-off before it reaches the river.  OzFish will also be promoting projects aimed at improving water quality and enhancing fish habitat.

“We’re now looking for more members to join the OzFish Geographe Chapter. Getting involved in an OzFish chapter gives locals specialist advice from our fish ecologists and habitat experts and access to funding opportunities to help delivery the restoration work,” said Mr Matthews.

Restoring fish habitats is critical to recovering Australia’s fisheries, along with education and sound research. The local chapters partner with fishing bodies and the broader community to invest time and money into the protection and restoration of our waterways, counteracting decades of degradation.

The new OzFish Georgraphe Chapter are looking for new members to be part of fish habitat restoration work. To become and member and get involved with the Geographe Chapter use the link below or call 1800 431 308.

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