Councils embrace fish friendly approach

How can local councils become more fish friendly?

That's what local coastal councils across NSW coast have been learning as part of DPI Fisheries Fish Friendly Councils workshop project.

So far, nine coastal councils and 188 council workers have participated in the workshops to build their capacity to design and undertake works that minimise their impact on waterways and the fish that inhabit them.

Marine Estate Management Strategy Project Officer - Water Quality Rebecca Philps is involved in coordinating the Fish Friendly Councils project.

She said that as local councils oversee the construction and maintenance of waterway structures, such as culverts and bridges, they play a key role in keeping waterways healthy.

“Our workshops are about inspiring local councils to use best practise around key fish habitat,” she said.

“We are aiming to build the capacity of council staff to protect fish habitat, fish populations and water quality when planning and undertaking works on waterways in local government areas (LGAs) across coastal NSW,” Ms Philps said

“Congratulations to councils and their workers that have been involved so far,” she said.

Over the next two years, the workshops will be rolled out to a further 31 councils.

Topics at the workshops range from best practise sediment and erosion control works, to designing infrastructure like bridges or culverts that allow for fish passage.

Six short informative videos detailing fish friendly approaches to working and around waterways and explaining the regulations to protect key fish habitat under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 have also been created as part of the project.

Developed when COVID prevented face-to-face workshops they are a helpful resource for councils hoping to upskill staff in fish friendly approaches.

They include: Harming marine vegetation, An overview of the Fisheries Management Act Permits and Orders, Dredging and reclamation, Obstructing fish passage and Remediation orders.

The Fish Friendly Councils project is a Marine Estate Management Strategy funded project.

Learn more about our Fish Friendly Councils project at their project page.