Habitat makes fish happen during Native Fish Awareness Week

Habitat makes fish happen! is the theme for this year’s Native Fish week running from the 5-12 of November 2011 across the Murray-Darling Basin. Focusing on recreational fishing; the week aims to raise awareness of the importance of habitat in rehabilitating the Murray-Darling basin’s rivers and native fish. Recreational fishers are invited to get involved in a series of events including fish research forums, fishing competitions and community activities.

Native Fish Awareness Week will also see the release of Talking Fish, a new collection of stories, and images about what “fishing used to be like” across the Murray-Darling Basin. There is a growing recognition that the health of rivers and waterways of the Murray Darling Basin are at risk and native fish have declined. Restoring fish populations can be complex and the best results come from an integrated approach. Actions such as, improving habitat, managing pest fish, and restoring native vegetation can all be achieved by recreational fishers.

Habitat makes fish happen! Get involved to secure the future of your recreational fishery. To find out more about Native Fish Awareness Week and how to take part visit www.nativefishweek.com.au

What's happening in the Condamine catchment?

Monday 7 November

Condamine Alliance is hosting a Native Fish Science Forum.

Native Fish number have declined dramatically across the Murray-Darling Basin since European settlement. This research forum will explore the science and research being undertaken into restoring native fish in the basin, including;
• The current status of the Northern River Blackfish in the upper Condamine catchment
• Pest fish threats, management and monitoring
• Native Fish passage and removing barriers to movement
• Drought refugia for native fish
• Monitoring and evaluating native fish populations and responses to intervention

When: 3-6pm
Where: Gip's Restaurant, Clifford House, 120 Russell St, Toowoomba
RSVP to Alex Kennedy on 4620 0111 or alexandra.kennedy@condaminealliance.com.au

Tuesday 8 November

Condamine Alliance is hosting a Free BBQ and Information evening for Recreational Fishers and the community in Warwick about Native Fish from 6pm-8pm in Warwick.

Queensland Fisheries, Condamine Alliance and the Warwick and District Fish stocking association will be Talking Fish:
• Fish stocking
• Carp cages and trapping
• Improving fish habitat to support native fish populations
• The Condamine Alliance River Rescue program

Full program here.

Wednesday 9 November

Condamine Alliance with the support of the Murray Darling Basin Authority will be releasing the River Rescue DVD at Bowenville School. If you would like to receive a copy please let us know on 4620 0111.

Thursday 10 November

Condamine Alliance and Chinchilla Landcare group is hosting a Pest Fish workshop to raise awareness about a potential threat to the Condamine catchment from Tilapia from 9am – 12 midday at the Chinchilla Tennis Club

Full program here.