Native fish need shelter, clean water, food and room to move. A new guide released on Finterest (a partnership between the Murray Darling Basin Authority and Australian River Restoration Centre) describes seven actions you can do to benefit native fish life in the streams on or near your farm.
In summary, the key steps include:
- Have large woody debris (snags) in your stream
- Grow native vegetation on the stream banks (riparian area)
- Install fish-friendly crossings
- Control or treat agricultural runoff
- Provide water for stock off-stream
- Control the opening of floodgates
- Protect your wetlands
The Finterest website has been established to provide inspiration and knowledge for anyone interested in Australian freshwater fish. The website focuses mainly on the Murray-Darling Basin as much of the research and experience gained through the Native Fish Strategy (2003-2013) funded through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority is shared here. Since 2013 Finterest has been continuing to share great stories and information about the work being undertaken across Australia to ‘bring back native fish’.
