Last night, the Gunning District Landcare was awarded the BCF Give Back to Fish Habitat Award at the 2019 State and Territory Landcare Awards in Broken Hill.
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Doctor Sonya Duus, coordinator of Gunning District Landcare accepted the NSW award for the betterment of fish outcomes. The award is in recognition of the commitment to on-ground rehabilitation actions to improve the Southern Pygmy Perch habitats, and; promote the participation of industry or the community.
"Gunning District Landcare has been innovative in its approach to caring for this endangered species. We have worked closely with scientists, landholders and the general community to raise awareness as well to make real changes on the ground," she said.
The species was first found in the area in 2002 by associate professor Mark Lintermans. In 2017, he was commissioned along with Luke Pearce from the NSW Fisheries to develop a local action plan for the endangered fish, including habitat mapping.
Associate Professor Lintermans said this is a tough time for native fish that live in small streams. "The on-going drought really hits them hard, as waterways dry up. Terrestrial environments obviously need attention, but these aquatic species are too often completely overlooked. They desperately need our help."
Habitat mapping included areas that needed improvement or areas will benefit from the introduction of the species.
"There are sections of Blakney Creek, Oolong creek and Pudman Creek," Dr Suus said.
The group also worked with landholders to identify farm dams suitable for use as breeding refuges, and encouraging landholders to improve their dam habitats.
"Improving conditions and habitat for Southern Pygmy Perch has a range of other benefits for native fish, frogs, other water life, and cleaning up waterways for stock," she said.
"There are so many reasons why not just Southern Pygmy Perch benefit.
"I don't think we would ever lose hope.
"And our work is ongoing. We are now actively looking for funds to train local community members to monitor the species in local waterways. We also want to send some Southern Pygmy Perch to a special breeding facility to help build up their numbers."
Chair of Gunning District Landcare Scott Keyworth said he was extremely grateful.
"It is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work put in by members of Gunning District Landcare over a number of years. Janet Heffernan, in particular, has provided vision and energy in a range of initiatives directed at protecting the Southern Pygmy Perch."
The director of habitat programs for Oz Fish Cassie Price said, "BCF and OzFish are thrilled to see the work of Landcare groups like Gunning putting so much effort into the protection of their local waterways and to centre their efforts on fish habitat for such an important species."
