Warmer waters could benefit native fish
By Mitchell Davis. Victoria’s native fish could benefit from warmer water temperatures as climate change alters freshwater ecosystems.
Experts from the Victorian Fisheries Authority say Macquarie Perch and Murray Cod may have a better chance of survival in increased water temperatures.
This is because introduced species such as trout rely on cooler water. “Non-native species like trout are cold-water species. What we’ve seen is as our waters are consistently warming, trout are contracting in their range,” said Dr Taylor Hunt from the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
“They are moving further up to the high country to stay where the cool water is.”
Dr Hunt says previous droughts, including the Millennium Drought, have also provided valuable lessons about managing Victoria’s waterways during periods of low rainfall. He says planting trees along riverbanks is one of the most effective ways communities can support healthy waterways.
“The best thing being done for the ecosystem is the planting of trees on the sides of riverbanks, which shade the water and help filter nutrients, providing a habitat for everything,” he said.
University of Melbourne researcher Dr John Morrongiello urged Melbournians to think about their water use. “Think about the fish in those streams, think about the platypus and the water they might need.”
He says reducing household water consumption can help preserve water in regional dams and catchments, particularly during periods of low rainfall associated with El Niño. “That allows our river ecosystems to have a little bit more chance,” said Dr Morrongiello.
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