The annual forum showcased activities in the Murray–Darling Basin that support the Native Fish Recovery Strategy.
Key collaborators from the Australian Capital Territory, and all Basin states including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia attended the event. Delegates included research scientists, technical and field officers, ecologists, rangers, project managers and officers, as well as recent graduates.
Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) CEO Andrew McConville gave an opening address sharing the importance of the Native Fish Recovery Strategy. He highlighted synergies between agreeing on effective measures to save fish with the diverse, complex, and often contested space of water management.
“The constructive and respectful discussions, workshops, and debates happening at events just like this forum are critical,” shared Mr McConville. “A Basin-wide strategy is so important to carefully look at how native fish can best be managed.
“This is a particularly important year for the Native Fish Forum. We have an opportunity to look at our approaches, what’s working and what’s not, and develop a new strategic plan,” he said.
Participants were treated to some fun ideas being used globally to support fish recovery efforts – including the ‘salmon cannon’ that transports fish above a huge dam wall in a matter of seconds, with less stress than if they were handled by humans.
As part of the event, attendees visited the Upper Murrumbidgee Recovery Reach (UMRR) at Tharwa, ACT where they heard about native fish, conservation areas, fish habitat and recreation fishing limits. They were given fishing tips, including best practice catch and release. Importantly, there were also updates on the water quality and river health, log jams, sedimentation, and river restoration.
“The Native Fish Forum this year really was a great success. Part of the reason for this was attendees arrived on day 1 ready to be engaged, to participate in workshops, and share their knowledge with others,” said MDBAs Native Fish Recovery Strategy lead, Mr Stuart Little.
“It was wonderful to see so many connections being made at the forum – from fishing groups to government policy experts and academics – everyone came together for the common cause to help recovery of native fish across the Basin.
“I always feel energised by attending the Native Fish Forum because I get to see just how many passionate and committed experts there are, all dedicated to ensuring the survival of native fish in the Basin,” said Mr Little. “There is still so much to do, but I am confident that working together is the only way to make the improvements that need to happen.”
In the coming months there will be more science-themed events like the Native Fish Forum across the Basin. On 21 June, Albury will host a science symposium for the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program. If you would like to keep up to date on upcoming events like this, subscribe to the River Reach e-newsletter.
