High and dry, but not left behind: rescuing stranded Barramundi in North Queensland
After record-breaking floods swept through North Queensland earlier this year, the retreating waters left behind a hidden crisis: stranded barramundi, trapped in small, oxygen-depleted creeks with no way back to the main river system. Without intervention, many of these fish, including crucial breeding females, faced a slow and suffocating fate.
Determined to make a difference, OzFish’s Beau Allan and local aquatic ecologist, Tallis Keam, took matters into their own hands. Armed with nets, they waded into the evaporating floodwaters, carefully catching each fish and carrying them back to the Ross River. There, in healthier waters, the barramundi were given a moment to recover before kicking off and disappearing into the depths, free to continue their vital role in the ecosystem.
For Beau, this was more than just a relocation effort. As a recreational fisher, the rescue hit home. “Seeing these big breeding fish gasping for oxygen was tough, but being able to release them into better conditions was a huge relief,” he said. “It’s a small action, but one that directly contributes to the sustainability of our fish stocks, ensuring future generations of barramundi for both the ecosystem and anglers alike.”
Barramundi are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they begin life as males and transition to females around 80 cm in length. The rescued fish were all in this size range- critical breeding females essential for maintaining healthy populations. If left stranded, their loss would have ripple effects across the local fishery, impacting genetic diversity and future stocks.
This effort highlights the importance of Creekwatch, a community-driven program run by OzFish and Townsville City Council that monitors and protects local waterways. Through regular fish surveys, water quality testing, and environmental restoration, Creekwatch provides the data and framework to respond effectively to situations like this.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, programs like Creekwatch are more important than ever. By working together – recreational fishers, scientists, and local authorities – we can safeguard fish populations and ensure the next generation can experience the thrill of chasing barramundi in healthy, thriving waterways.
Learn more about Creekwatch and get involved here.
