Habitat restoration enhances Bundaleer’s reputation as fishing paradise
Bundaleer Reservoir is branching out in the name of creating better habitat for native species and recreational fishers.
Following on from the success of similar projects at Warren Reservoir in 2021 and 2022, OzFish Unlimited – Australia’s fishing conservation charity and SA Water have again joined forces to support native fish.
OzFish members from the Barossa-Mid North Chapter rolled up their sleeves to enhance conditions at the renowned fishing location in the Clare Valley region of South Australia so that native species like golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod have better habitat.
“We constructed six complex habitat structures made from Eucalyptus limbs and branches,” said Rachel Williams, OzFish Project Manager – South Australia.
“Many fish species rely on complex woody habitat, and with no old trees on the banks of the reservoir, there is limited natural input of timber.
“These structures will help support native fish by providing protection from predators, shelter, food and breeding sites to play which are an important role in the life cycle of native fish.
“This will be great for recreational fishers too. We hope that this gives native fish numbers a real boost.”
The volunteers were led by Chapter president Luke Chamings, who was also instrumental in the Warren Reservoir project.
They used chainsaws to create the structures from fallen branches before they were carefully attached to limestone rocks to anchor them to the bottom of the reservoir.
“The restoration within the reservoirs have been and continue to be a great success,” he said.
“With these habitats we hope to further improve on what has been great work by those before us at RecFish SA and SA Water.
“They were great fun jobs to be involved with.”
After the structures were created by OzFish volunteers, SA Water’s crew then deployed them in the water at specific sites that had been identified by GPS mapping as the ideal locations for the local fish populations.
The drop-off points were also deep enough so that the structures would not become exposed even if the reservoir was running low.
The grant for the project was administered by SA Water through the Reservoirs Partnership Program which aims to champion conservation, education or recreation, and help connect communities with the state’s reservoir reserves for their enjoyment and preservation.
Bundaleer Reservoir is a 40-minute drive from Clare and the area is also popular for kayakers, hikers and cyclists.
Rec fishers need a permit and they can only drop a line from the shoreline or in the designated fishing zone, or from a kayak.
Fishers can only take what they need for personal use and there are daily fishing limits for rainbow trout and golden perch while Murray cod and silver perch are fully protected so they must be released immediately if accidentally caught.
Catch-and-release fishing for Murray cod is permitted from January through to the end of July. In South Australia the regulations are slightly different to other States and you’re not permitted to lift or remove Murray cod from the water.
“It’s important to create habitat for a species like the Murray cod,” Ms Williams added.
“As they are ambush predators, the fish will start using these structures almost immediately and will give them a place to weave in and out, but also rest.”
Bundaleer Reservoir, which was constructed in 1903, holds 6.3 gigalitres of water but is now only a contingency supply for SA Water.
This project was made possible via funding from SA Water through the Reservoirs Partnership Program and OzFish, supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
Become a member today to be involved in habitat restoration projects like this across the country.