RARE, THREATENED FISH DISCOVERED IN MOORABOOL RIVER AS PARTNERSHIP EFFORT PROTECTS VITAL SPECIES

A rare population of Australian Grayling — a nationally vulnerable native fish — has been discovered in the Moorabool Yaluk (River) on Wadawurrung Country, thanks to a joint fish rescue and translocation effort led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and with support from the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI).

During the rescue operation near Batesford in mid-February, 11 adult Australian Grayling were safely netted 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 (EPBC) Act and is considered a species of high conservation significance. Their presence highlights both the ecological value of this part of the Moorabool River and the importance of collaborative management to protect its remaining refuge pools during extreme low flow conditions.

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 our rivers and creating additional risks for native fish and aquatic life.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners joined Corangamite CMA and ARI staff on-Country to complete the rescue — a partnership that is critical to achieving long term improvements for river health and native species.

Wadawurrung Man and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Junior Water Officer, Zade Kennedy, said the find is culturally and ecologically meaningful.

“The discovery of the grayling at this location is significant.

“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.

A follow up inspection was completed by the partners on 23 February and they will continue monitoring the site closely.

Corangamite CMA CEO 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. The rescue is a great example of how collaborative action can deliver real results for threatened species and river health,” she said.

WTOAC and Corangamite CMA, alongside ARI, will continue working closely together to support long term recovery and protection of culturally and ecologically important species within the Moorabool Yaluk.