Townsville recreational fishers called to help improve local waterways
Recreational fishers are urgently needed to support a citizen science project in Townsville to help improve fish habitat.
The Bohle and Ross river catchments will be the focus of fish surveys over the coming months to assess fish diversity in different habitats and to examine how these habitats can be improved for fish.
Local anglers will have the chance to put their cast netting skills to the test and enhance their knowledge of fish populations through fish identification. OzFish is set to conduct the first round of surveys on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 of December and are calling on community volunteers to get involved.
OzFish North Queensland Manager, Dr Geoffrey Collins explained that waterways in urban environments have been highly modified over the past 100 years, which has negatively impacted fish and other aquatic species. By conducting a series of baseline fish surveys and habitat assessments, the information gathered will guide future habitat restoration projects.
“The surveys are an important component of habitat restoration and waterway management. They will provide us with some key information on when and where fish are moving through urban waterways, which will inform future restoration activities” Dr Geoffrey Collins said.
“It is also a great opportunity for fishers to gain a better understanding of the waterways in their own backyard” Dr Collins said.
The waterways and wetlands of north Queensland support a diverse range of fish species including black bream, grunter, mangrove jack, jungle perch, barramundi and flathead.
The project is a partnership between OzFish Unlimited, Townsville City Council, James Cook University, Ecocentric Services and the Dry Tropics Partnership for Healthy Waters. It is made possible thanks to the Community Environment Program grants, an Australian Government initiative.
Recreational anglers who would like to volunteer can register online or call 1800 431 308.
