Wetlands Australia 32: Murray hardyhead translocation from South Australia to Wingillie Station, NSW
Author: Commonwealth Environmental Water Office
Wingillie Station in far west NSW contains a range of vegetation communities and habitat types, including semi-permanent and intermittent wetlands, which support a range of native animals and plants including the nationally endangered southern bell frog. In 2018–19, water for the environment was delivered into Little Frenchman’s Creek on Wingillie station, to provide appropriate aquatic habitat for the reintroduction of the endangered Murray hardyhead.
In November 2018, around 800 endangered Murray hardyhead from remaining populations in the South Australian Riverland were relocated to Little Frenchman's Creek. If successful, the project would represent the first successful reintroduction of a locally extinct fish to NSW river systems. The relocation aimed to reduce the risk of the fish species becoming extinct. A key component of the translocation was a detailed risk assessment and mitigation measures, including the establishment of a surrogate pond separate from the main wetland, to maintain a segregated sub-population should floodwaters from the Murray River connect to the creek allowing dispersal of the core population. The project also included regular water quality monitoring and fish condition monitoring to assess the success of the translocation and subsequent watering efforts.
Endangered Murray hardyhead captured during 2018 post-translocation surveys at Wingillie Station. Photos: NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries, 2019.
Monitoring throughout 2018–19 has shown that the translocated population is thriving in its new habitat, which is a positive sign for the recovery of the species across the southern Murray–Darling Basin. Researchers have repeatedly captured more Murray Hardyhead than were initially translocated (over 3000 individuals were sampled in spring 2019!!). These included both adults and juveniles, indicating successful breeding by the translocated fish following their release to Little Frenchman’s Creek in late 2018, and again in spring 2019.The monitoring has also informed future decisions about the need for further water, with the aim of maintaining the wetland within the ideal salinity levels for Murray hardyhead.
The successful relocation is a result of the joint efforts of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Fisheries, Hazel Henry Trust (the owners of Wingillie Station), Western Local Land Services, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, Aquasave - Nature Glenelg Trust, and the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group. The project is a great example of how strong collaboration between local landholders, community groups and governments is ensuring water for the environment is supporting the health of rivers and native fish.
Murray hardyhead eggs, post-translocation surveys at Wingillie Station. Photos: NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries, 2019.
Further information
Media releases: