OzFish to help save the Purple Spotted Gudgeon in Tenterfield Creek

OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s leading fishing conservation movement, is set to embark on a habitat restoration project that will see 1.5km of creek revamped for the Purple Spotted Gudgeon.

Following the 2019/20 bushfires that ravaged the Tenterfield area, the Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon suffered from damaged habitat and low water quality.

In looking to do something about it, OzFish teamed up with Landcare Australia through the Restoring Fish Habitat in Bushfire Affected Areas project to turn the precious habitat into a healthy and functioning ecosystem.

Focusing their attention on either side of a garlic farm, OzFish is planting 1900 native grasses and trees. Harry Davey, OzFish Tenterfield Chapter Executive, says that this will go a long way in getting the creek back to its original form.

“With 24 different species of plant being planted, we will be able to make a real difference in preventing erosion, filtering water, providing insect fall and eventually provide shade for the wildlife of the creek.

“Marine species like the Gudgeon rely on these areas to feed, breed and seek shelter, so by revamping the riparian zone, we are revamping their chance of survival”, said harry.

Steve Scott, landowner of the restoration site, said that he is thrilled to be linking up with OzFish and can already start to see the results.

“For us it was a no brainer. We reply on our backyard for so much, the least we could do is give back. We are really keen to start encouraging other landowners to do the same.

“We have seen multiple species of fauna already, including the likes of Nankeen Kestrel, rakali, yabbies, cormorants, sea eagles and our favourite sighting; a platypus. Platypus have not been seen at this site since the 2011 floods, that’s 10 years!”, said Steve.

With a lot more work to do Steve and Rosie Scott are very optimistic for the future of the creek with plans to purchase more creek frontage to bring this beautiful creek back to what it once was – perfect for the Southern purple spotted gudgeon.

Find Out More About The Project