A fishy story

 
Since 2006 scientists from the Arthur Rylah Institute have been surveying Goulburn River tributaries, including the King Parrot Creek, to assess the status of Macquarie Perch, Macquaria australasica, populations. During that time they have accumulated a great deal of data and obtained insights into the habits, requirements and biology of this fascinating native fish. Now Focus on Fauna is fortunate that two of the ARI researchers, Jo Kearns and Renae Ayres, have agreed to come to Strath Creek on Sunday 8th October to tell us all about their findings. Click on the flyer at right for full details of their presentation. All are welcome to attend, but RSVP would be appreciated.

The Macquarie Perch is endemic to the south-eastern reaches of the Murray-Darling Basin and was once widespread and common in parts of the Goulburn-Broken catchment. However, particularly over the past 50 years or so, numbers have declined dramatically to the point where only a small number of fragmented populations exist in Victoria, and the perch is considered endangered here as well as nationally. Why not come along to this talk and find out why, and what is being done to ensure the fish’s survival – a pleasant way to spend a spring Sunday afternoon and be informed!