Navigating a future for threatened freshwater fish in the CLLMM region in the face of environmental change
​Project Lead: Sylvia Zukowski (Nature Glenelg Trust)
Project Team: Scotte Wedderburn, Rhiannon Van Eck (University of Adelaide), Brenton Zampatti, Laura Markham (CSIRO), Tom Barnes (University of Tasmania)
Project overview
The CLLMM region supports more than 35 freshwater fish species, including several threatened small-bodied species. Already at risk small-bodied fishes were further impacted by the Millenium Drought.
Through captive management, reintroductions and targeted water management, some improvement has been made in habitat and threatened fish populations, yet the conservation status of small-bodied threatened fishes across the region remains tenuous.
Drawing on existing partnerships, the objective of this research project is to advance understanding of the conservation ecology of Yarra pygmy perch and its congener, Southern pygmy perch across the region.
This project will utilise modelling, field research and community engagement to explore ways to improve conservation and management of small-bodied threatened fishes in the face of climate change.
The project aims to identify relationships between habitat and environmental variables (e.g. flow and lake water levels) to assist the future management of wild and captive pygmy perch populations, reintroduction ecology, and water management. The project seeks to develop knowledge that informs strategies to improve the resilience of small-bodied threatened fish populations in the face of the impacts posed by climate change.
Community and Ngarrindjeri people will be invited to participate in the field aspects of the research. A presentation and information transfer session will be undertaken following the modelling component. This project will include engagement with stakeholders from local organisations including SA DEW, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, and Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.
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This project will provide information to guide the future conservation management of Southern pygmy perch and Yarra pygmy perch in the region.
First Nations culture and traditions are rooted within an ancient historical connection with country and countless generations of studying their local environment as a way of life. First Nations traditional ways of life, including land and water management, sustainable harvesting, and the conservation of local species can provide vital perspectives into the ways we manage the lands and waters into the future.
This project works towards restoration, adaptation and impact reduction of the cultural traditions, obligations or history associated with the local small-bodies fish (Pali) of the CLLMM region.
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First Nations people believe in 'the living body', that is the land (Ruwe), water (ma:rnmani), people (Palak), animals and plants (Nga:tjar) of the region. The body works in a delicate balance that if disturbed, can disrupt life on a large scale. This belief and knowledge system underpins the significance of small-bodied fish within the region. They play a role in the larger balance of the ecosystem (e.g. as a food source) that First Nations people have a responsibility to uphold.
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By conserving and managing these fish, the health of Nga:tjar, Ruwe and Ma;rnmani as a whole may be improved and protected against coming climate changes. This project will empower First Nations community with the knowledge and means to fulfil their cultural responsibility and traditions of caring for Ruwe, Pali and other Nga:tjar.
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Cultural significance
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