A fish rescue and translocation operation in the Moorabool River has led to the discovery of a rare species.
A population of Australian grayling, a vulnerable fish species endemic to south-eastern Australia, was found when Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) conducted the joint rescue in mid-February.
The 11 adult Australian grayling that were rescued were safely relocated to a healthier habitat upstream in the Perridak Ngubitj/Platypus Waters Moorabool River Reserve.
The rescue took place after the Moorabool stopped flowing near Batesford Quarry, leaving a series of rapidly contracting pools in the river bed.
WTOAC and the CMA joined Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) staff to complete the rescue, which also relocated other populations of galaxias species, freshwater shrimp and various aquatic fauna upstream.
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.”
Corangamite CMA chief executive Dr. Amber Clarke said the positive outcome highlighted what was possible when agencies and Traditional Owners work together.
“This rescue of Australian grayling reinforces the importance of partnerships in caring for Country,” she said.
“The rescue is a great example of how collaborative action can deliver real results for threatened species and river health.”
WTOAC, Corangamite CMA and ARI will continue to support long-term recovery and protection of species in the Moorabool River.
