Rescue mission saves rare native fish found in Moorabool River

A RARE population of a nationally vulnerable native fish has been found in the Moorabool River, thanks to a joint effort led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and with support from the Arthur Rylah Institute.

During the rescue operation last month, 11 adult Australian Grayling were safely netted in the Moorabool Yaluk (River) and relocated to healthier refuge habitat upstream within the Perridak Ngubitj (Platypus Waters) Moorabool River Reserve.Australian grayling is listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is considered a species of high conservation significance.

The rescue took place after the river stopped flowing near Batesford Quarry, leaving a series of isolated pools rapidly contracting due to ongoing dry conditions.

Highly modified landscapes have also contributed to disrupted flows, further fragmenting rivers and creating additional risks for native fish and aquatic life.

Wadawurrung man and WTOAC junior water officer, Zade Kennedy, said the find was culturally and ecologically meaningful.

“The discovery of the grayling at this location is significant,” he said.

“The ongoing work to improve fish passage is helping them move upstream; however, it also highlights the additional barriers and challenges that will need to be addressed upstream of the confluence of Barwon Yaluk and Moorabool Yaluk.”

Alongside the adult Australian grayling, sprat (young) grayling and other native fish including galaxias species, freshwater shrimp and various aquatic fauna were also identified in the refuge pools, many of which were able to be relocated upstream.

Corangamite CMA will soon deliver a targeted water release to temporarily boost flows in the Moorabool River. While small, this flow aims to slow the decline of remaining pools and improve short term habitat conditions.

Corangamite CMA chief executive Dr Amber Clarke said the positive outcome highlighted what is possible when agencies and Traditional Owners work together.

“This rescue of Australian grayling reinforces the importance of partnerships in caring for Country,” she said. “[It] is a great example of how collaborative action can deliver real results for threatened species and river health.”