Local anglers set to improve fish habitat on the Lachlan River

Fish habitat at Jemalong weir on the Lachlan River is set to be restored thanks to the work of volunteers from the local OzFish Forbes Chapter who received a Habitat Action Grant from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust to restore degraded sections of the waterway.

The restoration work includes removing invasive weeds and replanting natives that will provide habitat and food for native fish.

OzFish Project Manager for the Murray-Darling Basin, Braeden Lampard has seen first-hand how habitat rehabilitation projects like this one benefit the local ecosystem, the local community and improves local fishing experiences.

 “Native trees on our riverbanks can provide insect fall that provides up to 40 percent of a fish’s diet, are a natural buffer that stops dirt entering the waterway and smothering fish habitats, provide shade that regulates water temperatures and bind banks together to stabilise and reduce erosion,” said Braeden.

OzFish Forbes chapter President and member of the Lachlan Valley Fishing Club, Gavin Montgomery is excited about the restoration, both groups are keen to see the local fishery improve.

 “The Forbes Chapter is a group of volunteer fishers that genuinely want to see our fishing grounds improve. We’re hoping to undertake a whole range of fish habitat restoration projects in the region including riparian planting along the Lachlan and litter clean-up days.

“These projects are aimed at improving water quality and enhancing fish habitat which will lead to better fishing in the region.

The project will be undertaken in two stages commencing in February, the weeds will first be removed by a professional contractor with the assistance of OzFish volunteers. Six hundred native trees will then be planted in the area and the local Chapter are looking for local volunteers to help get them in the ground.

“We’re looking for more members to join the OzFish Forbes Chapter and be part of making a difference,” stated Gavin.

Getting involved in an OzFish chapter gives local anglers an opportunity to give something back to their local fish habitat, with specialist advice from our fish ecologists and habitat experts and access to funding opportunities to help deliver habitat restoration work in our local area,” said Mr Lampard.

The project is funded by NSW Recreational Fishing Trust’s Habitat Action Grants and OzFish’s major partner; BCF – Boating Camping Fishing.