Like you, the VFA remain concerned about the impact of major flooding on our native fisheries particularly in the lower reaches of river systems in northern Victoria.

In the last week, we have seen significant fish deaths (predominately carp and native fish) in the Little Murray River, Broken Creek, Boosey Creek, Gunbower Creek, Loddon River, Kerang lakes, and the Murray River at Echuca and Swan Hill.

Because of limited access to flooded waters, we also expect but can’t confirm reports that fish kills have also occurred in other rivers, creeks and wetlands in northern Victoria.

Here’s where we are at:

  • Major flooding has transported vast amounts of natural and cropped vegetation into creeks and rivers that is being broken down by bacteria – this removes dissolve oxygen from the water (also known as blackwater).
  • Beyond the initial blackwater events, we expect deoxygenated water trapped on floodplain will eventually drain into rivers once river levels start to fall and, this will pose further blackwater risks.
  • Catchment Management Authorities (CMA’s) are actively monitoring flood levels, dissolved oxygen levels and the movement of blackwater.
  • Catchment Management Authorities are leading local native fish rescue operations in collaboration with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Arthur Rylah Institute (DELWP), New South Wales Fisheries, OzFish and fish ecologists.
  • Fish researchers and contractors have been engaged to harvest a limited number of native fish (and crayfish) from locations that are about to be impacted by blackwater – this is a precautionary approach.
  • These fish are being moved to nearby waterways where there is better water quality or, held at our Arcadia and Snobs Creek hatcheries until they can be returned when conditions improved.
  • The VFA are providing fish transport trailers and vehicles to support these operations and issuing permits for fish translocation.

Native fish salvage operations

  • To date more than 550 large native fish (mainly cod and golden perch) have been captured from the National Channel, Lower Gunbower Creek, Pyramid Creek and Taylors Creek and translocated to mid Loddon River, Campaspe River and Kow Swamp – this work is continuing.
  • More than 100 highly endangered purple spotted gudgeon have also been relocated to safer wetlands.
  • Around 100 native fish and crayfish are being held at Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery. A small number of fish will be retained as broodstock to breed fish for restocking affected waters.
  • Purple spotted gudgeon are being held at Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery.
  • NSW Fisheries and OzFish have collected and are holding more than 300 Murray Spiny Freshwater Crayfish from both banks of the Murray River.

Reporting fish kills and fisheries offences

  • The EPA are the responsible for managing fish kills in Victoria. To report a fish kill please ring 1300 372 842
  • If you see illegal fishing activity in response to flooding please call 13FISH on 13 3474

 Constraints and challenges

  • Many of these waters remain in flood condition which is limiting vehicle access for salvage operations,
  • In some cases boating access to these waters is not safe because of the inherent flood risks,
  • Fish that are long stressed through oxygen depletion have a low chance of recuperation, even if salvaged.

In summary, we are still learning the scale of flood impacts on native fish populations, but in some rivers and creeks we know it has been significant.

We won’t know the full impacts of major flooding on native fish for some time, but we do expect blackwater events will persist for many weeks and possibly months to come.

We are working with many partners to capture and relocate high valued native fish to safer waters as a precautionary measure.

Recreational fishers care deeply about native fish and so do we.

From past experience of blackwater events, we know native fish are incredibly resilient and with our help, they will bounce back.

Thanks for your passionate interest in supporting Victorian inland fisheries.

We will keep you posted on our collective effort by email and through social media.