OzFish has teamed up with Landcare NSW to create a shade corridor for fish
The OzFish Northwest Chapter, in Tamworth NSW, is set to embark on one of the biggest projects in its eight-year history by planting more than 2,000 native trees and plants along a two-kilometer stretch of their local creek frontage.
The project is part of a partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW to enable collaboration and scale-up habitat restoration across NSW.
OzFish Northwest Chapter lead, Annie Michie, says this work will create a five-kilometer-long ‘shade corridor’ that will better facilitate fish movement in the river.
“Fish are often isolated from venturing to new habitats, mates and food sources simply because the waterway doesn’t have enough shade cover and protection for them to pass through. It can be a barrier to their movement because they feel unsafe.
“Shade corridors are the key to addressing this and supporting this essential migration.
“Once our work in the region is complete, this river will be a much more accommodating environment for fish to feed, breed, migrate and rest – which are all essential for the future of fishing,” said Annie.
The OzFish Northwest Chapter has a longstanding partnership with Tamworth Regional Landcare Association. Appearing recently on the Big Fish radio program with Scott Levy, Annie says this is the reason why OzFish and Landcare are able to get this type of work done.
“When you have two passionate groups of people with a strong volunteer base, there is no limit to the work they can do. We are so proud of the partnership we have with Landcare NSW and can’t wait to continue to make long-lasting change for the future of our local waterways”.
OzFish and Landcare NSW are calling on recreational anglers around the Tamworth region to get behind this project by joining the OzFish Chapter or dropping into their local BCF store to donate to OzFish.
Both organisations are also keen to expand their work with the support of local anglers. If you know of a local fishing spot that isn’t as healthy as it once was, get in touch with OzFish on 1800 431 308 or email info@ozfish.org.au.
This project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, with funding support from Recreational Fishing Trusts and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.