SA Water is working in conjunction with the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) to construct fishways to allow the passage of native fish from the sea to the Hume Dam – an amazing distance of 2,225 kilometres. Twelve major barriers such as dams and weirs are currently blocking fish movement in the Murray between the sea and the Hume Dam.

 

While upgrading the locks and weirs along the river, fishways are being installed. Work on Locks 7,8 and 9 has been completed successfully and work on Lock 10 is due to be completed by March 2006.  Over the coming years we’ll be progressively working on Locks 1 to 6, with work on Lock 1 scheduled to start in May 2006, and work on all six locks is expected to be completed by 2012.

 

Native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin have suffered a decline in both numbers and distribution. A variety of factors have contributed to native fish decline including exotic fish, water pollution and habitat deterioration.

 

Locks, weirs and barrages have also impeded the movement of fish species along the River. Fish move along rivers for breeding, safety and the establishment of new territories.

 

Consisting of a series of interconnected pools in a gently sloping structure, the fishways allow native fish to migrate upstream, moving from pool to pool, and to take their time according to their swimming abilities.

 

National fish experts will monitor the fishways to assess their effectiveness. Initial estimates indicate that over 100,000 native fish per year will pass through each of the new fishways at Locks 7 to 9. Scientists are now investigating carp separation trials at the fishways – it is hoped this will provide an effective way of removing large amounts of this pest species.

 

These fishways will greatly benefit the River Murray environment and help to protect our native fish species. For more information about this great project go the MDBC website.