Fire! Fish Emergency, Recovery and the Road to Greater Advocacy

Fire is an intrinsic part of south east Australian landscapes, and we expect an increase in frequency and intensity of large wildfires with the progression of climate change. Severe wildfires have the potential for serious direct and indirect  impacts on fish communities, including through elevated water temperatures, changes in water chemistry, and, most importantly, sediment mobilisation following post-fire rains.

As part of its Native Fish Strategy, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority established a Contingency Fund to enable a quick response to a range of emergency scenarios. The Fund was key in supporting urgent recovery actions, particularly those arising from fire, flood (blackwater events) and extreme drought.

During the catastrophic Black Saturday wildfires,  immediate actions supported recovery for two nationally threatened fish - Barred Galaxias and Macquarie Perch. Collection of fish for Temporary Captive Maintenance and subsequent release back to recovered habitat were important initial steps supporting effective longer term recovery.

Community engagement was critical. Prior, established relationships  enabled quick action in fire-affected communities. Recovery actions for fish were key in supporting human recovery, through a shared story, and providing a sense of hope. A suite of recovery actions have effectively built longer term community advocacy and support for these threatened species.