Upcycled tree stumps bring new life into the Lower Darling River
Thirty-two enormous snags in the form of tree stumps, root balls and bodies have been replenished into the Darling River this week in a collaborative effort by traditional owners and volunteers from Western Landcare and OzFish Sunraysia Chapter members.
The work has been close to 12 months in the making having been delayed due to covid. The habitat was positioned downstream of Ellerslie township in far western NSW after being identified as a vital site to resnag due to the lack of complex habitat in the section of the river.
The snags will increase breeding environments, add natural food sources and create a sustainable native fish community, resulting in benefits not only to the local environment and waterway but to recreational fishers throughout the region.
Local Western Landcare coordinator Thel O’Shea has been assisting the volunteers and OzFish Unlimited members throughout the project.
“Western Landcare is really excited to be working with OzFish on this project. We are big believers that a huge part of this project is the community awareness aspect and getting as many local groups involved as we can,” said Thel.
“It is very important for these projects to go ahead, so that conversations can start around why re snagging is important for the sustainable ecology and the fish populations in the Darling and Murray rivers.
“By having these projects and inviting the community along to on site workshops we are able to deliver the messages that benefit the river ecosystems and promote responsible and sustainable river activities.
OzFish Project Manager for the Murray-Darling Basin, Braeden Lampard has praised local recreational fishers and Landcarers for continuing to get informed and involved in fish habitat improvement work.
“The project has seen us all come together to enhance our knowledge of the importance of fish habitat, provide long-term benefits to native fish and assist with achieving a more productive fishery,” said Braeden.
Wilbur Wilson is an OzFish member and an advocate for native fish, “There’s a saying in the fishing community, find the structure and you’ll find the fish.
“So naturally, these logs being installed will one day be targeted by recreational anglers as a good place to fish,” stated Wilbur.
The project was made possible by the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and the Federal Government Communities Environment Program.
The need for more habitat within the Murray Darling Basin is critical, since European settlement millions of snags have been removed and this project is just another way OzFish and their members are working towards a healthier fishery, future proofing our fishing habitat.
If you would like to know more about the Landcare NSW OzFish partnership contact 1800 431 308 or click the link below.
