September
3, 2018, University of Queensland
A
research team from the Threatened Species Recovery Hub has made a breakthrough
that could help dwindling numbers of Australian freshwater fish species.
Dr. Jabin
Watson from the University of Queensland says the innovation will allow small
and young fish to get past barriers like culverts.
"Simple
things like dams, culverts and weirs can be enough to prevent fish from
migrating, accessing habitat and even escaping predators," said Dr.
Watson.
"These
kinds of barriers are a major contributor to the declines and local extinctions
of many Australian fish species."
Native
fish in the Murray Darling Basin are estimated to be at only ten per cent of
pre European numbers.
"When
streams pass through a culvert – the pipes under most roads—the flow is
concentrated," Dr. Watson said.
"This
fast flow can be impossible for many fish to navigate as they simply can't swim
that fast for that long.
"Small
and young fish are particularly impacted."
The team
used a biohydrodynamics laboratory at UQ to test the swimming ability and
behaviour of native fish species.
"Many
different types of devices have been trialled in Australia to help fish move
past barriers like culverts," Dr. Watson said.
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