Murrumbidgee River gains habitat upgrades to futureproof waterway
A history of “de-snagging” in the Murrumbidgee River is being reversed by OzFish and partners, who recently completed stage 4 of a long-term restoration project to ensure a healthy waterway and improved fishery for future generations.
For the latest stage of this project, OzFish:
- Installed 13 large snags (aquatic woody habitats)
- Controlled 20 km of willows
- Planted indigenous aquatic vegetation along the waterway.
The Murrumbidgee River
The Murrumbidgee is the second longest river in Australia, and a major tributary of the Murray River within the Murray–Darling basin. It is home to an array of native fish, such as the Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Murray Crayfish, Macquarie Perch, Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish and River Blackfish.
What are snags?
Snags might sound like a fisher’s curse, but they are structural woody habitats that provide refuge and food sources in waterways. They are vital in ensuring healthy fisheries and ecosystems and have historically been removed for river and boating access.
OzFish Senior Program Manager, Braeden Lampard, said, “A Murray cod can take up residence on a snag within weeks of being installed. Once they’ve found a home, they are safe to breed and that’s positive for the local fishery”.
From de-snagging to re-snagging
In the past, the Murrumbidgee and other waterways across the Murray Darling Basin were de-snagged to aid boat navigation, reduce flood damage and beautify waterways. In the 1990s, this practice was stopped as growing evidence indicated that snags play an important role in aquatic species life and removing them is a major driver of declines in river health – and native fish populations.
Today, the decades of de-snagging are being reversed by OzFish and partners, to create vital habitat for fish populations, fisheries and support the health of waterways.
“The Murrumbidgee project is improving the amount and complexity of habitat in the river, to support the increase of fish populations.” “We are very excited to have completed another stage of the Murrumbidgee project, funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts through the Habitat Action Grants program.” said Braeden Lampard.
Since 2021, OzFish has:
- Controlled over 30km of willows
- Planted hundreds of aquatic vegetation stems
- Installed over 50 snags (woody aquatic habitats)
This on-ground work has been complemented by a series of community engagement events, aimed at engaging landholders and managers of the benefits of healthy waterways and improved habitat management, for everyone.
Want to get involved?
The next stage of the project will see OzFish developing weed control workshops, native tree planting, removal of fish passage barriers, and engaging the community about littering and illegal dumping.
If you’re passionate about preserving our waterways, protecting native species, and contributing to the rejuvenation of this vital ecosystem, join OzFish and get involved in a community event today.
This project has been supported and funded by NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts through the Habitat Action Grants, NSW DPIRD Fisheries, the Australian Government through the One Basin CRC Program and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
