Brunswick River gets an injection of community support to improve fish habitat
OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s leading fishing conservation charity, recently planted 360 native trees on Brunswick River in Northern NSW to revegetate the riverbanks bordering two properties along Main Arm Road. OzFish volunteers worked with community groups Brunswick Valley Landcare & Replant Byron to help reinvigorate the local ecosystem and improve habitat for native fish.
Locals got to work planting native trees and shrubs to the area including lilly pilly, sandpaper fig and lomandra, which will stabilise eroded areas and enhance the overall health and habitat values for native fish populations and other wildlife.
OzFish North Coast NSW Project Officer, Daniela Wilken-Jones has been working closely with Brunswick Valley Landcare and reiterated the importance replanting trees have to the overall health of the river system.
“Riverbank planting is essential for healthy fish habitat. It provides fish with shelter from overhanging branches, shade to regulate water temperature, filtering to improve water quality and insect fall which provides up to 40% of fish diet,” Daniela said.
“While the Brunswick River is one of the smaller coastal catchments, it is highly productive for fish and oyster populations and the restoration work will be beneficial for both,” she said.
“This collaborative community planting day demonstrates the power of community in actioning environmental solutions. Each riverbank planting, however small, is making a big difference to improving fish habitat and that evidently means better fishing.
Local Landcare Coordinator for Brunswick Valley Landcare, Alison Ratcliffe, said the project has helped ensure that the Brunswick River continues to thrive.
“This partnership with OzFish has been such a wonderful opportunity to improve the Brunswick River catchment. It will help stabilise the riverbank, whilst providing essential habitat for several land and aquatic species.
“Revegetation projects are important for reducing sediment and improving the overall health of our river systems. The benefits go beyond environmental,” said Alison.
More habitat within the Brunswick River is critical and this project is just another way OzFish and community partners are working towards a healthy, vibrant and more productive fishery.
The project is part of the OzFish Landcare NSW partnership, Driving Fish Habitat Action and was made possible with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, BCF Boating Camping Fishing and Replant Byron.