Clarence River, NSW 2024
OzFish Unlimited will restore 350 metres of riparian zone along the banks of the South Arm of the Clarence River. A Community day will bring the OzFish Clarence chapter members together with local Landcare volunteers to plant 500 native trees to increase native vegetation in the riparian zone and improve habitat on the Clarence River.
350m exotic weeds
to be removed
500 native trees and shrubs
to be planted
1 community day
to be held
Members of the OzFish Clarence River Chapter will work with volunteers from Clarence Valley Landcare to plant native trees along a section of the riparian zone at the Junction of South Arm and the Clarence River after a private contractor has removed exotic weeds. Site specific native plants will be provided by the Maclean Townsend Landcare Nursery with support from Clarence Valley Council.
Revitalizing the Clarence River
The Clarence River is situated in the northern part of New South Wales, Australia. It flows through several towns and cities including Grafton, Maclean, and Yamba, before emptying into the ocean near Iluka. The South Arm junction is the meeting point of the South Arm of the Clarence River with the main channel. It’s located near the coastal town of Iluka, where the river’s flow divides into different branches, offering diverse habitats and fishing opportunities for locals and visitors.
Empowering communities
The project entails a vibrant community planting event, rallying volunteers to collectively plant 500 native trees and shrubs while undertaking 350 meters of bush regeneration. This initiative is not only aimed at removing invasive species like lantana, camphor laurel, privet, cats’ claw, and ipomea-mile a min, but also at fostering a deeper sense of stewardship and connection to the natural environment among participants.
This project is part of a suite of activities that OzFish is undertaking to improve the health of the Clarence River, from riparian restoration and water quality monitoring in the upper reaches, to saltmarsh and seagrass restoration at the mouth of the estuary.
Protecting the future of fishing
By involving the community in hands-on conservation efforts, the impact reaches far beyond restoration. It instills a sense of ownership and responsibility, cultivating a community where people actively engage in restoring their local ecosystems. Through these collaborative endeavours, we not only restore biodiversity and habitat but also plant the seeds for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
A vital ecosystem
The Clarence River system offers a diverse range of habitats within a single ecosystem. The river provides critical breeding grounds for many fish species and is a highly significant area for aquatic biodiversity.
Given the significance of fishing in the Clarence River, this initiative underscores its profound role in fostering community bonds and livelihoods, showcasing how the river’s productivity sustains cultural traditions, economic activities, and recreational pursuits for residents and visitors.
Improving biodiversity and water quality
Since European settlement land use practices within the lower catchment have led to the removal of much of the riparian vegetation, which has resulted in the proliferation of exotic weed species impacting and degrading the riparian zone. Restoration efforts will improve habitat for fish species including Australian bass, bream, mullet, catfish, and other aquatic life. The addition of native vegetation will stabilise the riverbank and reduce erosion. Incoming nutrients will be better filtered, improving water quality and shade from the trees once established will regulate water temperature and provide bug fall for fish.
