Hunter River Fish Habitat Restoration

OzFish Unlimited and Landcare NSW have joined forces to empower local communities across NSW to improve their local waterways.

Focusing on on-ground works to improve the health of habitats in their local rivers, the partnership will enable OzFish chapters and local Landcare groups to work together to deliver river restoration projects.

Teamwork

The OzFish Hunter River Chapter are working together with Lower Hunter Landcare to restore the riparian vegetation of 500m of Hunter Riverbank, removing the problematic Balloon Vine and replacing weeds with a corridor of native vegetation set to provide shade, insects and habitat for the fish in this reach.

In April 2020, OzFish Hunter Chapter volunteers with Luskintyre Landcare planted over 1,200 plants to stabilise the bank in the area and provide a reliable ongoing food source for native fish.

Did you know that our native fish need native trees?

The fish rely on riparian vegetation for a whole range of things including shade (which helps regulate water temperature), structure and habitat in the form of root balls and future snags, a source of food – think about all the insects and critters that live in the trees, plus a whole lot more!

Fish food

Did you know that up to 40% of a freshwater fish’s diet can come from surrounding vegetation? Delicious insects both slimy and crunchy. It’s important we provide a place for these insects and land-based species to live.

By planting native grasses and shrubs in the catchment, we are ensuring our native fish have a better chance to flourish and thrive.

Plus, native vegetation plays an important role in maintaining water quality as it helps filter sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from run-off before they enter our waterways. Plant more plants!