Long-term plans include providing new vegetation to offer a range of vital habitats for fish and other organisms.
However, establishing vegetation to provide woody debris to the ecosystem is a lengthy process.
The Winton Wetlands Committee of Management and the Friends of Winton Wetlands are creating ‘‘fish hotels’’ as a way to restore aquatic habitat for threatened fish species, including the iconic Murray cod.
Two types of fish hotels are being used:
●hollow logs — sustainably sourced from road and pipeline clearance projects; and
●Constructed fish hotels — made from smaller logs and locally sourced from fallen timber.
Winton Wetlands restoration scientist Lance Lloyd said the surface of the wood provided an excellent place for algae and other biofilms to grow.
‘‘(This) attracts shrimp and other crustaceans, which are a major food source for fish,’’ Mr Lloyd said.
‘‘Murray cod and other fish, for example, love to use the surfaces of the wood to lay their eggs.
‘‘These fish hotels will provide a great habitat and allow aquatic species, including the threatened Murray cod, to survive.’’
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