Over the past few months, VFA have continued to work closely with Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) and recreational fishers to save native fish from irrigation channels including 142 Murray cod (up to 80cm) and 6 golden perch.
• The fish were released into the Goulburn River at Shepparton and Yambuna, the Broken Creek upstream of Numurkah and at Katamatite, and into the Serpentine Creek.
• In addition, 55 blackfish were saved from irrigation channels and relocated into two locations on the Campapse River, where the species has previously been locally extinct!
• These channel salvages occur as part of the routine channel maintenance carried out by GMW and provide an opportunity to relocate these fish to boost fish populations in public
waterways. Whilst the numbers of fish saved are not enormous, the fish are often large/mature fish, which will contribute to breeding populations.
• The VFA is currently finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with GMW to have a forward plan for future fish salvage works over the next 1-3 years, which will result in more good outcomes for native fish populations and recreational fishing.
