By Luke Voogt
‘Fish hotels’ for native species will “breathe new life into the Barwon River” for anglers, according to Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
The authority plans to install timber snags beneath the surface of the river to create extra fish habitats near Gundog Lane, Breakwater.
Known as fish hotels, these structures will boost the numbers of native species such as black bream and estuary perch, much to the delight of local anglers, according to Corangamite CMA.
The authority will install the snags, along with similar structures at Curdies Estuary near Warrnambool, in partnership with OzFish Unlimited and VRFish following federal government funding for the project.
“By restoring fish habitat, there will be an immense long-term benefit to recreational fishers through healthy, resilient and more productive fish stocks,” project officer Wayne McLaren said.
“We are excited to work with OzFish and their army of recreational fishing volunteers to deliver these projects that will provide significant benefits for the Barwon River and Curdies Estuary.”
The new fish hotels will also provide habitat for the threatened Australian grayling and other aquatic wildlife, including frogs, platypuses, water rats, insects and birds.
Corangamite CMA chief executive John Riddiford said the project would improve the health of the waterways and provide essential ecological benefits.
“This project will deliver important outcomes for passionate recreational fishers because healthy habitat is vital to making fishing better and providing anglers with more fishing opportunities,” he said.
