Public urged to help Oxleyan Pygmy Perch

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/gen/news/fb_04Jul26_public.htm

"This document has been posted for information and to encourage discussion among yourselves. For more information from DPI on the issue, please visit our web site on www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au"

[Fitzy]

Copy of Press Release from above website.
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Public urged to help Oxleyan Pygmy Perch on the road to recovery
July 26, 2004
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is calling on the public to help save a tiny freshwater fish, the Oxleyan Pygmy Perch, by commenting on a draft recovery plan for the species.

Bill Talbot, DPI’s Principal Manager, Threatened Species, said that although few people have ever seen an Oxleyan Pygmy Perch, its survival was an indicator of the health of coastal heath ecosystems.

"This species is a small freshwater fish, about 3-4 cm long, found only in wetlands, creeks and lakes of Banksia-dominated coastal heath in north-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland,” said Mr Talbot.

"NSW DPI has conducted surveys up and down the coast, but has only ever found this species in a few wetlands, creeks and lakes. It seems to be limited to a 100 km stretch of the NSW coastline, from around Red Rock, north of Coffs Harbour, to Broadwater, near Ballina.

"The Oxleyan Pygmy Perch is already listed as an endangered species and it is illegal to catch, buy, sell or possess them. Fines of up to $220,000 and/or two years jail apply.

"Despite this protection, we are concerned about its future. Parts of its habitat are protected in national parks, but some of the species’ most important habitats occur in, or near, urban areas.

Mr Talbot said the draft Recovery Plan includes proposals to carry out further research on the species, increase community awareness about its plight, protect essential habitats, monitor introduced fish, involve aquarium enthusiasts and conduct ongoing monitoring.

“Recovery plans outline the steps needed to return threatened species, populations or ecological communities to the point where they can survive in the wild," Mr Talbot said.

“I encourage everyone with an interest in threatened fish species to have a say about the draft recovery plan and to make a formal submission.

“Draft recovery plans are always placed on public exhibition, and the comments of community members are considered before a plan is approved by Government.

The draft plan is available on the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries, website or by calling (02) 4916 3811.

Submissions on the draft recovery plan close on Friday, September 10, 2004.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristina Resanceff - 0419 185 375