A project aimed to improve habitat and conditions for native fish such as Murray Cod and Golden Perch is underway in the Murray-Darling Basin. Recreational fishers are at the forefront of a major initiative to restore areas of vegetation to creek and riverbanks across NSW. 

OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s only recreational fishing charity, has been selected to receive a series of Riparian Restoration Grants from NSW Local Land Services to deliver major habitat restoration projects.

A riparian zone is the area of vegetation bordering a waterway and plays a key role in providing healthy habitat for fish and wildlife. The roots of these native trees are important to holding soil together, mitigating the risk and effects of flood and drought on riverbanks.

Volunteers from the charity’s local chapters in Dubbo, Euston/Robinvale, Tenterfield and Wagga Wagga will work with New South Wales Landcare and private landholders on a range of activities including installing more than 50 in-stream habitats, planting more than 3000 native trees and erecting three kilometres fencing to protect vegetation from livestock and controlling invasive weeds.

All of these activities are designed to help restore healthy habitat, create better fishing, and ensure thriving ecosystems in Australia’s waterways today and for future generations.

OzFish will also deliver community "fish focus" forums to provide local community members with the inspiration, knowledge and support to get directly involved in habitat restoration.

Braeden Lampard, OzFish’s Senior Program Manager for the Murray-Darling Basin, believes the project has the potential to deliver benefits not only for native fish but the wider local community.

“OzFish volunteers are working to improve the quality and quantity of habitat available to native fish,” Mr Lampard said “The project will also take place in waterways where threatened species are listed and found, including freshwater Catfish, Trout Cod, Silver Perch and the purple-spotted Gudgeon.

"We’ll also be creating opportunities for community groups and organisations to engage with the recreational angling community and bring like-minded individuals together. Ensuring local waterways are healthy, safe, and thriving environments is beneficial to everybody in the community.” 

For more information on Ozfish projects and how become involved, check out their website at ozfish.org.au.