Join the community effort to re-release Freshwater Murray Crayfish in Swan Hill
The Swan Hill community is invited to gather at Riverside Park on Friday July 5th to help re-release Freshwater Murray Crayfish back into the Murray River, in what is a significant environmental event aimed at restoring the local ecosystem.
The Murray River experienced severe flooding in late 2022 and early 2023, which caused adverse conditions for many aquatic species, including the iconic Freshwater Murray Crayfish. In response, a dedicated rescue operation was conducted by OzFish Unlimited, volunteers, farmers, landholders, and state government agencies from both New South Wales and Victoria. This initiative saved over 750 freshwater crayfish and hundreds of native fish, which were temporarily relocated to private aquaculture sites.
Now, with conditions in the river stabilised and deemed safe by leading scientists and freshwater ecologists, OzFish, in collaboration with the Edward-Wakool Angling Association, the Joint Indigenous Group (JIG), Western Murray Land Improvement Group, and NSW DPI Fisheries, is organising a re-release event. This effort underscores the community’s commitment to restoring the natural habitat and ensuring the sustainability of local aquatic life.
Braeden Lampard, OzFish Program Manager – Murray Darling Basin, expressed his gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work during the rescue mission.
“Volunteers are fundamental to OzFish, and without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to rescue these iconic species. The re-release is not just about putting crayfish back into the river; it’s about acknowledging the community effort and dedication that went into saving them.”
The rescue mission was a testament to the mateship amongst recreational fishers and the community’s resilience. Volunteers worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, travelling up to 500 km a day, to save distressed aquatic species. The re-release event is a celebration of this collective effort and a step towards ensuring a thriving ecosystem in the Murray River.
Community members are encouraged to join OzFish at the event to witness firsthand the positive impact of their contributions. The re-release promises to be a memorable occasion, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Riverside Park (under the bridge), Swan Hill
Find more information about the event and register to attend here
