News

Murray crays find saving grace

By Adair Winder

Nov 13, 2022

Rescue Mission: Crayfish impacted by poor water quality are being rescued by NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries. Photo by Contributed

More than 1000 Murray crayfish from Echuca, Barham, Torrumbarry and Swan Hill have been rescued and temporarily re-homed after being exposed to plummeting oxygen levels in the Murray River.

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The rescue and relocation operation comes after native river species were emerging from the water to escape poor water conditions.

With the ongoing assistance of OzFish volunteers, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries launched the operation at the end of October to protect fish from dying.

A spokesperson for NSW DPI Fisheries said majority of rescued crayfish have been transported to Narrandera Fisheries Centre for safekeeping, while others have been transported to North West Aquaculture in Mildura.

Crayfish will be released back into their natural environment once water quality improves, “which could take a number of weeks,“ the spokesperson said.

This is not the first rescue and relocation operation that DPI Fisheries has initiated.

In recent years, they have launched several operations to save native fish from floods, droughts and bushfires.

To report any fish deaths or observations, phone Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536.