Rescue mission saves 600 fish near Warren Weir

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/gen/news/fb_04mar04_rescue.htm

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

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Rescue mission saves 600 native fish near Warren weir
March 4, 2004
More than 600 native fish including large Murray cod have been saved during a major upgrade of the Warren Weir near Dubbo, the Acting Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Paul O’Connor, said today.

The fish were caught with nets from small temporary dams created upstream and downstream of the weir and then returned to the Macquarie River.

“Without this rescue mission, the fish would have been trapped in an area pumped dry of water,” he said.

“This was a great joint effort involving staff from NSW Fisheries, State Water, Warren Shire Council, the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, and two local residents.

“The contractor Austral Pty Ltd was also extremely helpful.”

Mr O’Connor said that after the fish rescue the small dams were pumped dry to allow the upgrade to begin. State Water agreed to delay the works so the fish could be rescued.

“It’s great news that more than 600 native fish were returned to the river safely. The catch included 91 Murray cod – two of which weighed more than 13kg – and more than 500 golden perch.

“The upgrade, to be completed by September this year, will include the construction of a fishway that will allow natural fish migration over the weir.”

Electronic images of rescue are available

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Eric Aubert on 8437 4948 or 0419 185 375

[basserman]

wonder how many carp were traped???

[caveman]

i dont want to sound nasty but it dont sound like the locals were to concerned other than the 2 mentioned :o