Gippsland › Latest news › West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

Insights into aquatic life of Powlett River and its tributaries results from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority survey

Results from a Spring survey reveal insights into the aquatic life of Powlett River and its tributaries, crucial waterways in West Gippsland. The survey aids future management and protection efforts.

By news@gippsland - 15th January 2024 - Back to News

The Powlett River and its six main tributaries are precious waterways and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is now one step closer to discovering more about life below their surface with results from a Spring survey of aquatic life across the catchment just in.

The Powlett River catchment, a priority in the West Gippsland RCS and Regional Waterway Strategy, spans 50,800 ha, featuring vital tributaries supplying water to local townships

Powlett River importance

Recognised as a priority waterway for West Gippsland, the Powlett, known as Kugerungmome by Bunurong Traditional Owners, has a total catchment area of 50,800 hectares and, along with Lance Creek, supplies water for townships including Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson.

"We're excited to have completed this first baseline survey as part of the Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project. Having the team record a diversity of native species is very encouraging. This survey will help us and our partners in the future management of this catchment," said Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA.

River survey success

The survey took samples at sites along the main river and its main tributaries of Foster, Lance, West, Archies, Bridge and Woolshed Creeks to provide a good spatial understanding of the river's aquatic animals and plants. The team used a variety of sampling methods suited to the river conditions at each location including backpack electrofishing, hand-held dip-netting and bait traps, along with audio and visual observation.

"Whilst the catchment lies entirely within agricultural land, it was heartening to discover healthy fish populations in some of the waterways. Species recorded include Common galaxias, Tupong, Southern short finned eel, Freshwater shrimp and Burrowing crayfish and we are also pleased that no introduced fish species were found," said Paula Camenzuli, Natural Resource Management Strategic Planner for West Gippsland CMA.

Powlett project partnership

Follow up surveys are planned for Autumn 2024 and results will be shared with project partners to provide valuable information on the condition of Powlett River and its tributaries and how best to work together to manage and protect them. Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project is a joint initiative led by West Gippsland CMA and involves:

• Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Bass Coast Landcare Network
• Birdlife Australia
• Friends of Hooded Plover Bass Coast
• Trust for Nature
• Parks Victoria

The Powlett River project is funded by the Victorian government's Our Catchments Our Communities program.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com