Remove barriers to fish movement in coastal areas to improve fish passage to feeding and breeding areas.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The extensive fish habitat areas in estuarine areas surrounding the lower Murray and along the coast are very important for fish productivity, encompassing a large range of habitats. Barriers to fish passage could include physical barriers (eg. weeds, poorly designed culverts and road crossings, logs) or chemical barriers (eg. changes in water quality, like temperature or dissolved oxygen). Removing these barriers can have a major impact on fish passage and sustainable fish populations.
EXAMPLE OF LOCAL ACTION:
Install fish ladders or rock ramps where crossings inhibit fish passage. Current project underway, but investigate other areas where this work would be valuable.
Identify blockages from trees which have fallen during past cyclones and remove significant barriers.