Additional new homes for native fish in South Australia
We’re pleased to have delivered further homes for native fish, including Murray cod, in Warren Reservoir. This builds on our earlier work at the reservoir, which was a first-of-its-kind project for South Australia, in 2021.
Once again, we’ve been supported with funding from SA Water in delivering this important habitat activity.
Earlier this month, volunteers from our Barossa Chapter headed out to Warren Reservoir to deploy new fish homes at six locations. Constructed of large eucalyptus branches and brush piles, fastened to limestone blocks, the habitats provide native fish with shelter, thanks to the complex network of nooks and crannies.
The habitats were craned into place by SA Water’s local team.
Instrumental in the successful delivery of the on-ground works were our Baross Chapter volunteers, led by Luke Chaming and Danny Simpson. Luke, Chair of our Barossa Chapter, explains why the woody structures will play a vital role in the lifecycle of native fish.
“The Murray cod is one of Australia’s most iconic fish and this project will see fish homes introduced to the reservoir. This will provide them with an important source of shelter, and a place to breed and feed,” Luke said.
“Using a combination of natural woody materials makes our fish homes rather complex and suitable for a wide variety of native species, including silver perch and golden perch.
“Habitat structures like these also create active feeding grounds for native fish by attracting algae and macroinvertebrates.
“The ongoing presence of Murray cod is indicative of a waterway’s health, but by supporting all native fish we are helping to secure the future of recreational fishing.”
Last year, in a first-of-its-kind initiative for SA, we installed cod lodges, made of terracotta pots and limestone reef blocks, in Warren Reservoir. We’re pleased to be building on that successful innovation and providing native fish with further healthy habitat.
SA Water’s Senior Manager of Wastewater and Environment, James Crocker, said the initiative will help improve the reservoir’s biodiversity and support the recreational fishing experience for visitors.
“Warren Reservoir is a popular fishing spot among recreational anglers, that’s thriving as a result of the stocking program. These fish homes will create new ecosystems for the native species to move into,” James said.
If you want to get involved in providing native fish in your area with the habitats they need to thrive, then get in touch with us and join your local OzFish chapter.
This project was made possible by SA Water. It was also supported by Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, RecFish SA, Lambert Estate Wines, and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
