A rescue and relocation operation is currently underway by NSW DPI Fisheries to save Murray Crayfish impacted by poor water quality following flooding along the Murray River.

The rescued crayfish will be transported to Narrandera Fisheries Centre for safekeeping until conditions improve and they can be returned to the river safely.

NSW DPI received reports of hundreds of Murray Crayfish, a nationally listed threatened species, leaving the waters near Swan Hill and Echuca.

Record rainfall across the Murray-Darling Basin has inundated floodplains causing low dissolved oxygen levels.

Decaying grasses, leaves, crops and other organic matter can rapidly breakdown creating ’hypoxic blackwater’ conditions.

This blackwater can present significant risks to native fish, including Murray Crayfish that will often leave the water in order to obtain oxygen from the air.

Environmental factors such as competition from introduced fish and historical fishing pressure have led to widespread declines in populations of this vulnerable species.

Fisheries Officers are actively patrolling the area to deter any illegal activity, so please do not interfere with crayfish or try to collect them, as some may return to the water when water quality improves.

OzFish volunteers are thanked for their ongoing assistance with these rescue efforts.

To report illegal fishing, call the Fishers Watch phone line 1800 043 536 or report online at https://fal.cn/3fMUz.

NSW DPI Fisheries staff taking part in a rescue operation undertaken due to the poor quality of water after flooding.

NSW DPI received reports of hundreds of Murray Crayfish, a nationally listed threatened species, leaving the waters near Swan Hill and Echuca.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 3 November 2022.