Bringing back the Eastern Freshwater Cod on the Wilsons

In the shaded upper reaches of the Wilsons River, an ambitious effort is underway to restore habitat for one of Australia’s most iconic and endangered fish – the Eastern Freshwater Cod.

This native species, once widespread in the Richmond River catchment that the Wilson’s River feeds into, has suffered heavily from habitat degradation. OzFish volunteers and Goonengerry Landcare are working together to give the cod a fighting chance at survival.

A 150-metre section of riparian zone on the Upper Wilsons River has been targeted for restoration, identified as a critical priority site through recent habitat mapping by OzFish. The work includes removing invasive weeds, stabilising the river banks, planting 400 native trees, and reconnecting the community to the river through education and on-ground action.

Why riparian health matters for cod

Restocking Eastern Freshwater Cod alone isn’t enough. Without a healthy river to return to, they won’t survive. River bank erosion, invasive species, and poor water quality have undermined the ecosystem they depend on, especially in breeding grounds like the Upper Wilsons.

Cod need cool, clean water, complex structures, and healthy riparian zones to thrive. Fixing their habitat is the only way to see them return for good. This project is taking direct aim at those problems by enhancing river bank stability, rebuilding canopy cover to shade the water, and restoring biodiversity with native vegetation.

Digging in for the future

As part of the work, volunteers will plant hundreds of native trees to kickstart natural regeneration and create long-term improvements in water quality. These plantings help reduce sediment runoff and provide habitat for a host of other native species, from birds and insects to frogs and freshwater fish.

Invasive weeds, including small-leaved privet and lantana, are being carefully removed to give native plants room to re-establish and support the return of a more balanced riparian ecosystem.

Cod, community and collaboration

Partnership has been central to this project’s success. Goonengerry Landcare and OzFish volunteers have combined ecological knowledge with community muscle to roll out habitat mapping, planning, and hands-on restoration.

It’s a local effort with big-picture impact – not just for the Eastern Freshwater Cod, but for the entire Richmond River catchment. The broader OzFish and Landcare NSW partnership supports these kinds of collaborative restoration projects, which continue to empower regional volunteers and landholders to drive change on the ground.

The momentum is strong with more planting days planned and the trees already in the ground. And thanks to continued community support, the return of the Eastern Freshwater Cod is no longer just a dream. It’s a future that’s taking shape one tree at a time.

This project is in collaboration with NSW Landcare, and Goonengerry Landcare, with funding from the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership and BCF – Boating, Camping.