The 2023 OzFish Year in Review
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on what we at OzFish Unlimited have accomplished. With a relentless drive to enhance fish habitats, we’ve seen remarkable results that we’re eager to share with our community. And let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a big year. It was a MEGA year for OzFish and you.
Remarkable Volunteer Efforts and Habitat Improvements
The heart of all OzFish successes lies in the dedication of our helpers, which is clear from our ever-increasing volunteer numbers. An astounding 5,469 individuals contributed a collective 28,079 hours across 52 OzFish chapters. Your commitment and passion have significantly improved almost every type of fish habitat across Australia. Thanks to this, we’ve seen 121 waterways revitalized.
Our accomplishments include restoring and rejuvenating over 9.5 hectares of seagrass meadows by planting 1.3 million seeds. In riverbanks alone, we’ve restored a remarkable 33.6 kilometres, with over 19 kilometres of trees planted. These nature-based solutions enhance the aesthetic appeal of these waterways and play a crucial role in supporting diverse aquatic life.
More than 103 kilometres of riverbanks are now more accessible and fishable following the removal of noxious weeds. This effort has improved the ecological health of these areas and the fishing experience for every Australian recreational fisher.
Notable Achievements in Conservation and Community Engagement
Our commitment to environmental conservation saw us remove 4 tonnes of litter across 70 kilometres of waterways. These volunteer hours clean our fish habitats and protect all the native wildlife that call these ecosystems home.
Much of this is thanks to our increased commitment to community engagement, where we’ve hosted 252 fish-focused educational events, bringing together people from all corners of the country. These forums foster a sense of environmental stewardship and a shared responsibility for our natural resources.
Significantly, our restoration projects have seen the rejuvenation of 3,474 shellfish reefs, creating over 11 hectares of new habitats for fish. We’ve also recycled 54 tonnes of shell, diverting it from landfills. Additionally, 110 new snags and 93 fish hotels have been installed in our waterways, along with 325 rocky river reefs. These living structures provide safe havens for fish to breed, feed, and seek shelter, translating to more fish being caught on the end of your lines.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As the year closes, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to these extraordinary achievements. Your efforts have helped improve our waterways’ health and ensured a thriving habitat for all our aquatic life.
