The power of partnership on show to help fisheries recover
Whether it be finding a lost Macquarie perch, dealing with plastic pollution, building fish hotels, bringing fish back into the backstreets of Sydney or opening ‘fish nightclubs’, local recreational fishers and Landcarers have been doing their part in restoring their local waterways across New South Wales.
OzFish and Landcare groups have achieved 15 habitat restoration projects together since their partnership commenced in 2019 and its exactly what our fisheries need to recover and thrive.
It’s a timely priority as the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration will launch on World Environment Day June 5th which aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on a global scale.
Large scale community-driven restoration is the key to making a real difference to fish populations in NSW. Despite the challenges of drought, fire, flood and a pandemic, the work speaks for itself in scores of riparian trees, snags, protective fencing and rubbish cleaned up in local waterways.
Cassie Price, OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs has seen the smiles firsthand of OzFish and Landcare volunteers working together on creative and innovative projects.
“We’re so excited to be able to continue this active partnership with Landcare NSW and their groups across NSW. The collaboration is fundamental to its success, together we can achieve an amazing amount for our local waterways,” said Ms Price.
Landcare NSW CEO Adrian Zammit agreed, “Landcare NSW is thrilled to see this partnership deliver such amazing results for the State. The results delivered so far are clear evidence that NRM challenges require close collaboration and partnerships between like-minded organisations.”
Thanks to the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, OzFish and Landcare NSW are driving fish habitat action again in 2021 and offering on-ground groups the opportunity to submit their interest. If you know of a favourite fishing spot or waterway that could use some attention, the groups are looking for another fifteen waterways to make a real difference to fish habitat and fish populations in New South Wales.
Get in touch with your local Landcare group or OzFish Chapter in NSW and ask them to submit an Expression of Interest through the OzFish website or simply get in touch with OzFish. Our dedicated team of scientists and habitat experts will be in touch to make your restoration idea a reality. Local communities will be rewarded with better fishing and camping experiences in your local area.
The project was made possible with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF Boating, Camping, Fishing.