Tenterfield restore endangered Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon habitat   

OzFish’s Tenterfield Chapter of recreational fishing volunteers are looking out for the endangered Southern purple spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda  adspersa).

Even though these small fish aren’t a recreationally caught species, OzFishers are protecting a local population of this important species and are set on revitalising their habitat.  

Tenterfield Creek was identified by local fishers as their waterway for restoration because of its known surviving population of the endangered small-bodied fish. Recently the group completed a planting of 1,000 native plants along the creek and have a suite of activities in store to boost gudgeon habitat.

The volunteers are hard at work planting, preventing erosion, recovering bushfire damaged areas and cleaning up rubbish.  

The plants will bring an increase in shade, water filtration and food source by way of insect fall, giving the fish a much-needed boost following a significant decline in numbers over recent years.

The OzFish Tenterfield Chapter volunteers teamed up with the Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council to support the planting days which focused on restoring riparian vegetation along a 300m stretch either side of the upper reaches of Tenterfield Creek.

 

The plants, endemic to the Tenterfield region were hand selected from the Gunimaa Nursery team and carefully grown into seedlings from wild harvested seed and are now perfect for fish habitat. 

The planting was funded through a Communities Environment Program (CEP) grant to improve fish habitat in Tenterfield Creek. CEP grants are an Australian Government initiative that supports small-scale, on-ground projects to address local environmental priorities and strengthen communities. 

OzFish Tenterfield Chapter President Harry Davey said the community are thrilled with the result which will support a vital endangered species.  

“Vital fish habitat has been modified, lost or destroyed through human-induced change along Tenterfield creek. This along with the drought, fire and floods we’ve experience over recent years has put enormous pressure on native fish populations, particularly our endangered species.” 

The Chapter are also working hard with local landholders along the Creek who were impacted by the Black Summer bushfires to plant more trees and speed the gudgeon habitat recovery. A further 1900 native plants will be established in this first stage of bushfire recovery work, with further stages planned.

OzFish are working in partnership with Landcare Australia on the Aquatic Wildlife Habitat Bushfire Program which is funded by the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery program. 

“Our work will go a long way in helping small native fish like the Southern purple spotted Ggdgeon. Creating quality habitat is vital to their survival,” said Harry.  

OzFish also assisted NSW DPI Fisheries, with the release of over 8000 juvenile gudgeons into Tenterfield Creek to add another layer to the species’ recovery. The gudgeons were bred at the DPI Grafton Fisheries Centre from drought rescued adults before being set free in Tenterfield Creek to give the local population a boost. 

Maryrose Antico, DPI Fisheries Threatened Species Manager, said 

“through the habitat restoration work of OzFish, and the stocking by DPI Fisheries, we are trying to secure the future for this native endangered fish species”. 

To learn more about these projects and get involved join the OzFish Tenterfield Chapter or call 1800 431 308.  

 UNSURE WHAT THE GUDGEON LOOKS LIKE?

The project has been made possible by the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery program and OzFish’s major partner BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.