Thousands of freshwater Catfish have been released into waterways in the Edward Wakool region of south-western NSW to re-establish locally extinct populations of this culturally and recreationally important native species.
The Edward-Wakool Angling Association (EWAA) was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Recreational Fishing Trust to work with key partners to stock Catfish in local creeks and wetlands. EWAA partnered with the Joint Indigenous Group and Western Murray Land Improvement Group with the aim of kickstarting populations of Catfish for both traditional owners and recreational fishers.
The Catfish fingerlings were produced and delivered by Narrabri Fish Farm owner Rick Cunningham. Following acclimation they were released into three key wetlands in the Edward Wakool region – Pollack Lagoon, Swan Lagoon and Merribit Creek. These locations were carefully selected based on cultural significance, habitat and water availability.
Catfish populations in the Murray-Darling Basin have significantly declined since the 1970s due to a range of impacts including invasive species, habitat degradation, cold water pollution and fishing pressure.
Anglers are currently permitted to target Catfish under strict bag and size limits in specified impoundments and eastern flowing rivers, but the species cannot be targeted in any rivers or streams west of the Great Divide.
This is all part of ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’.
For more information about the Eel-tailed Catfish in the Murray-Darling Basin, visit https://bit.ly/43Edohw.
