Trialling new methods for assessing rare fish populations

Riverina Highlands

Trialling new methods for assessing rare fish populations

The Adjungbilly Creek in the Upper Riverina Highlands is home to one of 4 remaining populations of the endangered Macquarie Perch. Over the past 10 years with the help of DPI Fisheries and Charles Sturt University we have been monitoring the population of 'Maccas' using electrofishing and fyke net methods.

There are of course disadvantages in these methods with the percentage of fish captured influenced by factors such as the size of the fish, conductivity and flow rates.

Recently we trialled a fairly cost effective method of spotlighting. With the help from traditional owners from the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council, 2 sites on the Adjungbilly were surveyed. A total of 6 Maccas were identified including young of year.

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Riverina Highlands

September 10, 2025

Explore the Power of Citizen Science and Nature

In this hands-on workshop, aimed at the mature age group, you will learn how to record nature observations and contribute to an international biodiversity data base. Each participant will also receive free plants and resources to improve nature in their own back yard.

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Central Billabong

September 10, 2025

Colombo Creek Baseline Assessment

YACTAC are on the lookout for landholders along Colombo Creek to be part of a baseline assessment. This program will focus on carp removal, and the distribution and health of trout cod and eel-tailed catfish populations in Colombo Creek.

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Riverina Highlands

September 9, 2025

Restoring Morleys Creek

Works have began to restore Morleys Creek which runs through the town of Gundagai.

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The Refreshing Rivers Program is a collaboration between government, industry, research, and community organisations, led by Local Land Services. This Program has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.

The Refreshing Rivers Program works on Country that always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters, and we pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.