Helping out our native fish in Yanga Lakes

Before and after at 1AS regulator: water for the environment destined for Yanga Lake to help our native fish © Department of the Environment and Energy

Hundreds of thousands of native fish are being thrown a lifeline this month with the delivery of water to Tala and Yanga Lakes on the lower Murrumbidgee River.

The lakes are home to a massive number of juvenile golden perch following the largest recorded breeding event in the Murrumbidgee. Scientists estimate there could be half a million small perch in the lakes.

The water will give these fish the chance to grow over the next few years, and move out into the rivers, helping to repopulate the system, significantly boosting native fish numbers.

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Jody Swirepik said the lakes provide critical habitat for native fish in the Murrumbidgee region and Yanga National Park. It is a priority site to receive water during dry times to ensure we don't undo the gains made.

"As well as golden perch, these lakes are home to other native species such as gudgeon, smelt, freshwater shrimp, frogs and turtles," she said.

Supporting the health of Yanga Lake and the nearby Murrumbidgee River will help create economic value for local communities through improved tourism and recreational fishing.

Yanga Lake is a huge drawcard for locals and tourists alike. It provides important recreational opportunities including skiing, canoeing and fishing, as well as bird-watching.

The lakes attract waterbirds seeking refuge in the dry conditions. As the water moves through Yanga National Park, it will support native plants, providing food and habitat for threatened species such as southern bell frogs, Australasian bitterns, and the migratory sharp-tailed sandpipers.

It will also release nutrients to provide food for the native fish we are working to protect.

There are very few sites receiving Commonwealth water for the environment which is consistent with current drying conditions. However, it is important to ensure priority sites such as Yanga National Park are protected during dry times, to build resilience so native fish and other wildlife are ready to respond when the dry conditions ease.

The delivery of water is now underway using planned water for the environment.

Staff from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office have worked closely with advisory groups, community and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to deliver this water, building on the success of previous watering events.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage are working with NSW Department of Industry – Water to maximise efficiency of the water delivery. This maximises the environmental outcomes within the Lower Murrumbidgee while minimising overall water use.

"We will only use as much water as the fish need. In doing so we will ensure we have enough water for the environment should dry times continue," Ms Swirepik said.

The results of this delivery of water to Tala and Yanga Lakes will be closely monitored through the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office's Long-Term Intervention Monitoring Program led by Charles Sturt University.

Before and after at 1AS regulator: water for the environment destined for Yanga Lake to help our native fish

Click here for more information on Commonwealth environmental water use in the Murrumbidgee.