SA Action Plan targets endangered freshwater fish
A five year action plan developed by Native Fish Australia, the Department of Environment and Heritage, and various community groups will tackle the alarming decline of South Australia's endangered freshwater fish.
As Australia's rivers, creeks, streams and wetlands dwindle the number of freshwater fish species threatened with extinction has increased. In South Australia alone more than 50 percent of known freshwater fish species are listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare.
The drying of wetlands in the lower Murray recently prompted emergency rescues for the endangered Yarra Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca obscura) and the Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa). More such rescues are likely as the drought tightens its grip.
The SA Action Plan is designed to increase awareness of the problem, and encourage action to manage populations of endangered freshwater fish and their habitats before an emergency arises and one or more entire species are lost.
FAME welcomes the Action Plan, as we believe that too little attention has been paid to the threats to our aquatic species, both fresh water and marine.
For information about Australian freshwater fish visit www.nativefish.asn.au
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