Current Issues

Snowy River Environmental flows and river restoration
NFA has been extremely active in the campaign to restore the ecological health of the Snowy River. We are confident that the success of the snowy campaign has been the catalyst for continuing good outcomes across Australia for river health and native Fish conservation

The first environmental flows were released into the snowy river for 35 years in august 2002 this is the first step in returning 28% of the snowy water back to the river

The NSW and Victorian Governments have contributed $M300 to source water for snowy river environmental flows. These funds are expected to return 21% or 212 gigaliters of water to the snowy river. This water quantity is embargoed for the environment.

The remaining 7% is as yet unfunded and will require the local communities and organisations like NFA to remain active to ensure governments deliver their commitments.

The Snowy River contains a number of Native fish species that are under considerable threat from flow regulation.

A Bench Marking program to assess the current condition of the native fish populations and river conditions flows has shown that the Australian Bass population is at significant threat with the last reasonable recruitment of bass to the snowy river was around 15 years ago.

A new study Of Australian Bass, funded by the Victorian government has just commenced.

NFA has been active in breeding and stocking Snowy River Australian Bass. In 1999 we were awarded a $6000 grant to capture breeding stock and produce young fish to maintain a viable population until the river conditions improve thus enabling natural recruitment.

NFA has also been involved in the restoration of sections riparian verge on flood plain reach of the river. The restorations include placement of large wooded debris to improve in stream habitat. woody debris to the river.

Frontage licenses
NFA believes that stock grazing on river frontages needs to be removed frontage licenses must be reviewed revegetated and managed to improve river health objectives - More to come

Thompson and Macalister environmental flows
More to come

Willows and riparian Vegetation
More to come

Study of Estuary Perch in the Snowy River Estuary
Fisheries Victoria have undertaken monitoring program of Estuary Perch in the Snowy River estuary.

The program is supported by funds from the fishing license revenue. Total cost of the project is around $80,000

Ten fish will be implanted with a transmitting device. Receivers will be placed at strategic location around the estuary to monitor fish movement. Portable tracking devices are also available to fisheries officers.

It is expected that fisheries officers will be reside locally while the program is proceeding.

NFA members are working with fisheries to capture suitable fish.
The program will commence in mid October 2003.

Australian Bass Aging Study This is a component of a benchmarking project to asses the current condition of the Snowy River. The information gained will allow scientific panels responsible for the management of the environmental flow releases make appropriate decisions. The age, size and population density of Australia Bass in the Snowy River is being compared to those populations in the Brodribb and Bemm Rivers.

This is a component of a benchmarking project to assess the current condition of the Snowy River. The information gained will allow scientific panels responsible for the management of the environmental flow releases make appropriate decisions.