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Dalhousie Catfish (Neosilurus gloveri)

The Dalhousie Catfish is a small eel-tailed freshwater fish found only in isolated artesian springs around Dalhousie Springs in northern South Australia. Works near springs can affect its habitat through changes to groundwater, trampling, vegetation change or introduced fish. The species is listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and occurs within Witjira National Park, where collection requires appropriate permits.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

The Dalhousie Catfish occurs only in isolated artesian springs in northern South Australia. Seasonal spawning has not been established, so breeding may occur throughout the year and works near occupied springs should be treated as a year-round risk.

Breeding mode: External fertilisation. Eggs are likely scattered over the substrate and are non-adhesive.

Spawning season: Not recorded. It is not known whether spawning is seasonal or occurs throughout the year.

Egg size: Approximately 1 mm in diameter.

Egg number: Females 72 to 120 mm long contained 136 to 1197 eggs.

Age at maturity: Not recorded. The smallest mature female measured 44 mm.

Incubation and hatching: Not recorded.

Parental care and young: Not recorded.

Timing may vary between springs and years, so confirm current occupancy and reproductive condition before any clearing, construction, water extraction or aquatic works.

  • Spawning and egg scattering: Spawning timing is unresolved, so potential egg deposition should be assumed in every month.
  • Eggs and early life stages: The duration of egg development and the timing of young fish have not been established, so avoid treating any month as low risk.
  • Nocturnal feeding and bottom activity: Adults are primarily nocturnal and use the bottom of warm spring pools and outlet streams throughout the year.
  • Presence in spring pools and outflows: No seasonal migration or departure period is recorded, and the species is restricted to isolated spring habitats.
  • Highest clearing risk: Because breeding timing is unknown and the species is Critically Endangered, avoid disturbance to occupied pools, spring outflows and connecting habitat in every month.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Dalhousie Catfish is a small, dark eel-tailed catfish. Identification is easiest at Dalhousie Springs because no other catfish occurs there, but field confirmation should use an experienced fish ecologist where handling is proposed.

The body is elongated and tapers towards the tail. It is dark chocolate brown to greyish above, with a paler belly and lighter fins.

The head is flattened, the snout is pointed and the eyes are small. Like other eel-tailed catfishes, it has four pairs of barbels around the mouth.

Wild fish are generally up to about 120 mm long. Captive fish have reached 180 mm.

Identification: Features for field identification

The first dorsal fin is relatively short. The caudodorsal fin starts well back towards the end of the body and is a useful feature when comparing fish with other eel-tailed catfishes.

The species is not easily distinguished from other Neosilurus species by appearance alone. Its restricted range and the absence of other catfish at Dalhousie Springs assist identification.

  • Small size and dark brown colour
  • Elongated body with an eel-like tail
  • Four pairs of mouth barbels
  • Short first dorsal fin
  • Small black eyes

Identification: Calls and field signs

Fish calls and echolocation are not relevant to this species. The fish is primarily nocturnal and usually moves near the bottom of spring pools and outlet streams.

There are no reliable nest, droppings, whitewash, odour or other terrestrial field signs to use during clearing inspections. Direct observation, trapping under permit, or other approved aquatic survey methods are needed for confirmation.

Distribution: Australian range

The Dalhousie Catfish has an extremely restricted Australian range. Treat any suitable spring habitat in the Dalhousie Mound Springs Complex as potentially significant, even where fish have not been recorded during a short survey.

The species is known only from the Dalhousie Mound Springs Complex in northern South Australia, within the Lake Eyre Basin and Witjira National Park.

Records include a small subset of isolated mound springs, including the Main Spring at Dalhousie Springs and Nilpinna Spring. Surveys recorded the species at 5 springs in 1985 and 14 sites in 1991.

  • State: South Australia
  • Region: Dalhousie Springs, in the northern South Australian arid zone
  • Landscape: isolated artesian mound springs connected to the Great Artesian Basin

Distribution: Site context

The spring complex covers about 70 km² and contains isolated springs or small spring groups. The springs are supplied by groundwater rising from the Great Artesian Basin.

The known range is small and fragmented. A project site does not need to contain a known fish population to warrant careful assessment if it could alter spring flow, water quality or access to spring habitat.

Distribution: Survey planning

Map all springs, pools, outlet channels and connected wet areas before works begin. Check historical records and local park or land manager information for the relevant spring group.

Avoid treating a single negative observation as evidence that the species is absent. Fish use can vary with water conditions, time of day and survey method.

Habitat: Spring features

Look for the Dalhousie Catfish in warm, clear artesian spring pools and their outlet streams. The species is associated with deeper parts of the spring system and depends on continuing groundwater discharge.

Suitable habitat includes artesian pools, spring vents and flowing outlet channels. The water is typically warm and very clear.

The species generally occupies deeper habitat within springs. It has been recorded in water temperatures from about 26 to 40°C, and usually remains in water from 30 to 38°C.

  • Permanent or semi-permanent spring water
  • Deeper pools with submerged margins
  • Spring outflows and outlet streams
  • Clean aquatic habitat connected to artesian discharge

Habitat: Groundwater dependence

All springs in the complex share a Great Artesian Basin groundwater source. A reduction in aquifer pressure or spring discharge can reduce or remove the aquatic habitat on which the fish depends.

Assess works that could affect groundwater recharge, discharge, extraction, drainage or surface flow. This includes activities away from the visible wetland where they could alter the spring system.

Habitat: Vegetation and physical condition

Inspect aquatic and emergent vegetation, substrate, water depth, flow and evidence of trampling. Common Reed and Date Palms can alter spring structure and habitat condition.

Record livestock or feral animal access, bank disturbance, excavation, sediment entry and any barriers between pools and outlet channels.

Foraging habitat: Feeding areas

The Dalhousie Catfish feeds mainly at night near the bottom of warm spring pools and outlet streams. Foraging areas can be affected by changes to depth, flow, substrate, vegetation and water quality.

Look for fish using deeper pool margins, the bottom of clear spring pools and slow to moderate sections of outlet streams. The species is nocturnal, so daytime observations may underestimate use.

Maintain the physical connection between spring pools and outlet channels where that connection forms part of the aquatic habitat.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The diet includes aquatic invertebrates such as ostracods, terrestrial insects, small fishes, benthic gastropods and some plant material.

Avoid activities that increase sediment, nutrients, ammonia, pollutants or organic waste in spring water. These changes can affect both the fish and its food resources.

  • Aquatic invertebrates
  • Terrestrial insects
  • Small fishes such as hardyheads
  • Benthic gastropods
  • Some plant material

Foraging habitat: Field survey considerations

Plan aquatic surveys for conditions and times when nocturnal fish are most likely to be detected. Use only approved methods and minimise handling, disturbance and time out of water.

Decontaminate nets, traps, footwear and other equipment before arriving at the springs and between different spring groups. This reduces the risk of transferring disease or aquatic organisms.

Breeding habitat: Spawning habitat

Breeding information for the Dalhousie Catfish is limited, so all suitable spring habitat should be treated cautiously during works. The available observations indicate external fertilisation and eggs scattered over the substrate.

The species is thought to scatter small, non-adhesive eggs over the substrate. No specialised nest, burrow, cave or other breeding structure has been identified.

Potential spawning habitat includes clean substrate in warm spring pools and outlet channels, particularly where water remains connected and undisturbed.

  • Substrate within spring pools
  • Bottom habitat in deeper water
  • Spring outlet channels with suitable flow
  • Areas with stable water levels and good water quality

Breeding habitat: Breeding information

Females reach sexual maturity at about 44 mm. Females from 72 to 120 mm have contained about 136 to 1197 eggs.

Spawning may be seasonal or may occur throughout the year. Avoid assuming that there is a safe period for disturbance without site-specific advice.

Egg size: About 1 mm in diameter

Egg type: Non-adhesive

Mature female size: About 44 mm

Breeding habitat: Works controls

Keep machinery, spoil, fuels, concrete washout, sediment and other materials away from spring water and outlet channels. Do not disturb or remove aquatic substrate unless the activity has been assessed and approved.

If fish or eggs could be affected, stop work in the affected area and obtain advice from the relevant environmental authority or aquatic ecologist. Do not collect, move or release fish without the required approvals.

Sheltering habitat: Aquatic refuge

The species has no documented terrestrial shelter or roost. Its main refuge is the aquatic environment, especially deeper parts of warm spring pools and the bottoms of outlet streams.

Look for deeper pools, undercut edges and darker bottom habitat within spring-fed water. The species is nocturnal and may remain close to the substrate during the day.

Keep water depth, flow, cover and substrate condition as intact as possible. Avoid draining, isolating or filling pools and outlet channels.

  • Deeper spring pools
  • Bottom habitat in outlet streams
  • Stable submerged margins
  • Connected aquatic refuges

Sheltering habitat: Disturbance during works

Do not enter spring pools with vehicles or plant. Use designated access routes that avoid wet areas and keep people, equipment and spoil out of the water.

Where access or construction is unavoidable near a spring, use a site-specific aquatic protection plan prepared by a suitably qualified ecologist.

Sheltering habitat: Handling and disease prevention

The species is confined to a small number of isolated spring systems. Unclean equipment can transfer pathogens or aquatic organisms between springs.

Sterilise fish and aquatic research equipment before arrival and between use in different spring groups. Release any accidentally captured fish immediately at the point of capture unless an approved handling protocol requires otherwise.

Threats: Groundwater and spring flow

The main risks on works sites come from changing spring water, damaging aquatic habitat and introducing fish or disease. Because the species has a very restricted range, impacts at one spring can affect a meaningful part of its known habitat.

Aquifer drawdown and reduced artesian pressure can reduce spring discharge or cause springs to dry. Water extraction, altered drainage and poorly planned groundwater works may therefore affect habitat beyond the immediate construction footprint.

Check whether a proposal could change groundwater levels, pressure, recharge, discharge or the flow between pools and outlet channels. Refer such risks for specialist assessment before approval.

Threats: Physical damage and water quality

Trampling, excavation, vehicle access, bank damage and infilling can remove or degrade spring habitat. Sediment, nutrients, ammonia, fuel, concrete washout and other pollutants can reduce water quality.

Use exclusion zones, clean access routes, spill controls and sediment controls suited to the spring. Keep spoil and waste outside drainage paths and away from pools and outlets.

Threats: Vegetation and land management

Changes in grazing, feral animal access and vegetation can alter spring depth, flow and open water. Common Reed proliferation and Date Palms have been identified as habitat concerns at Dalhousie Springs.

Manage vegetation and stock access through an approved spring management program. Avoid removing cover or altering channels without assessing effects on fish habitat.

Threats: Introduced fish and disease

Introduced fish, including Gambusia, could compete with the Dalhousie Catfish, interact aggressively with it or introduce disease. Dalhousie Springs has remained free of exotic fish, but increased access and tourism raise the risk of introduction.

Do not release aquarium fish, bait fish or other aquatic animals. Clean and sterilise equipment between spring groups, and report any suspected introduced fish immediately to the land manager or relevant authority.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Dalhousie Catfish is restricted to warm artesian springs, pools and outlet streams in northern South Australia. It is nocturnal, usually stays near the bottom, and can be difficult to distinguish from other eel-tailed catfishes without an experienced fish ecologist.

Confirm whether the work area includes Dalhousie Springs or connected spring pools and outlet streams in Witjira National Park. Treat every occupied or potentially connected spring as habitat until a suitably qualified aquatic ecologist has assessed it.

  • Map springs, pools, outlet channels, groundwater infrastructure, access tracks and proposed disturbance areas.
  • Review records from previous fish surveys and check whether the spring has a known Dalhousie Catfish population.
  • Assess the proposed activity for effects on spring discharge, groundwater pressure, water quality, aquatic vegetation, shading, sediment and access by people, stock or feral animals.
  • Identify any risk of introducing exotic fish, pathogens, sediment or contaminated water between spring groups.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Survey in clear water and include night work because the species is primarily nocturnal. Focus observations near the bottom of warm spring pools and outlet streams, where the species commonly occurs.

  • Use quiet visual searches by day and after dark, with care to avoid stirring sediment or entering sensitive spring margins.
  • Use an aquatic survey method selected by the fish ecologist, such as approved nets or other permitted capture methods, where visual detection is inadequate.
  • Do not collect, handle or retain fish unless the survey team holds the required permits and the work is conducted by authorised personnel.
  • Survey representative springs, pools and outflows within the impact area, including deeper habitat and downstream areas that may be affected by works.
  • Sterilise nets, containers, footwear and other equipment before arrival and between spring groups.

Survey methodology: 3. Survey conditions and effort

There is no established breeding or migration season for this species. Plan repeat surveys where access, water conditions or detection are poor, and allow the aquatic ecologist to set effort according to the size and complexity of the spring system.

  • Record the date, start and finish time, weather, water clarity, water temperature, flow, depth and recent disturbance.
  • Use night observations where safe and practical, and include more than one survey occasion when a population decision depends on a negative result.
  • Stop or modify survey work if it creates visible sediment, changes flow, damages spring vegetation or risks transferring disease or exotic fish.
  • Treat a species identification as provisional if the fish cannot be reliably separated from another Neosilurus species.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and reporting

Keep a complete survey record for each spring and each survey method. The species has been recorded from a small number of isolated springs, so precise location data are particularly valuable.

  • Record coordinates, spring name or identifier, habitat type, water temperature, salinity where measured, flow condition and the area searched.
  • Record the number of fish seen or captured, estimated or measured size, behaviour, depth and position in the spring or outlet.
  • Take photographs only where this can be done without disturbing fish or damaging habitat.
  • Record all equipment decontamination, permits, unexpected impacts, dead or injured fish, introduced fish and any evidence of eggs or spawning.
  • Provide records to the project ecologist and relevant land manager or approval agency in the required format.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Avoidance and approvals

Avoid disturbance to Dalhousie Catfish habitat wherever possible. Because the species depends on isolated artesian springs and its breeding timing is poorly known, plan works around the spring system rather than relying on a seasonal clearance window.

Keep clearing, excavation, vehicle movement, dewatering, discharge and material storage away from springs, pools and outlet streams. Use existing access routes where possible.

  • Have the approval pathway checked by a qualified environmental adviser before design is finalised.
  • Consider whether the action may have a significant impact on a nationally listed critically endangered species and whether an EPBC Act referral is required.
  • Obtain all South Australian and national park approvals, scientific permits and animal ethics approvals that apply to the work.
  • Do not collect, translocate or temporarily hold fish without the relevant authority and a method approved by the responsible agency.
  • A Queensland species management program is not normally relevant to a species mapped in South Australia. If work is proposed in Queensland and the species or its breeding place could legally be affected, obtain advice on whether a Queensland SMP or other approval is required before disturbance.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Design controls and buffers

Set site controls with the aquatic ecologist and approval agencies before mobilisation. Use a conservative no-entry area around each spring, pool and outlet until the risk assessment defines a suitable boundary.

  • Fence and sign the agreed exclusion area before plant, vehicles and materials arrive.
  • Keep spoil, fuels, concrete washout, chemicals and wastewater away from all surface water and spring discharge areas.
  • Do not alter spring channels, deepen pools, remove aquatic vegetation or change flow paths without approval.
  • Prevent bore interference, unapproved pumping and other activities that could reduce artesian pressure or spring discharge.
  • Use clean water, clean equipment and dedicated footwear in the spring catchment.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a pre-clearance aquatic survey immediately before any work that could affect a spring, pool or outlet. A negative result does not remove the need to protect the habitat because fish may be concealed near the bottom.

  • Have a qualified aquatic ecologist inspect all areas that will be entered, drained, excavated or crossed.
  • Search pools and outlet streams during suitable daylight and nocturnal conditions where the work may affect fish habitat.
  • Check for fish, eggs scattered over the substrate, unusual fish behaviour, dead fish, introduced fish and changes in flow or water quality.
  • Mark the approved work footprint and no-go areas on plans, maps, fencing and plant operator instructions.
  • Record the survey, limitations, findings and release to proceed.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and contingency planning

Every person working near a spring must understand that the habitat is limited, isolated and sensitive to water and biosecurity impacts. The site supervisor must know who can stop work and who can handle fish.

  • Include the Dalhousie Catfish, its habitat and the exclusion controls in the crew induction.
  • Nominate the aquatic ecologist or authorised fauna handler as the person with authority to stop work.
  • Display contact details for the project manager, aquatic ecologist, wildlife authority and nearest wildlife carer or veterinarian where relevant.
  • Prepare a response plan for fish capture, injured animals, damaged habitat, unexpected water loss, pollution and introduced fish.
  • Brief operators not to enter water, move barriers or clean equipment in the spring unless directed.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential work and supervision

Use a slow, staged approach wherever works may affect aquatic habitat. Stop work at once if a fish, eggs, unexpected spring connection or other protected value is found outside the approved impact area.

Clear and construct in small, supervised stages. Keep the aquatic ecologist present or readily available for all activities that could alter water, substrate, flow or access to a spring.

  • Start with the least intrusive activity and inspect the area after each stage.
  • Maintain the agreed exclusion fencing and prevent plant from entering spring pools or outlet channels.
  • Use sediment, erosion and spill controls before ground disturbance begins.
  • Avoid creating turbid water, blocking outflows, diverting spring water or allowing contaminated water to enter aquatic habitat.
  • Stop work if controls fail or if the work footprint needs to expand.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal handling and breeding places

Only authorised and suitably qualified personnel may capture, handle, identify or relocate a Dalhousie Catfish. Do not chase fish, handle them for photographs or move them between springs without an approved plan.

  • Stop work and contact the aquatic ecologist if a Dalhousie Catfish, eggs or suspected spawning activity is found in the work area.
  • Treat substrate with eggs or suspected breeding activity as an active breeding place and protect it from entry, sediment and changes in flow.
  • Do not remove eggs, drain a pool or isolate an outlet stream unless the action is specifically authorised and supervised.
  • If a colony, roost or other breeding place is found, stop work and protect it. These features are not expected for this fish, but any unexpected protected feature must be assessed before work resumes.
  • Resume only after the aquatic ecologist confirms the controls and approvals are adequate.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Injured or dead animals

Keep injured fish in the water where possible and minimise handling. Seek immediate advice from the aquatic ecologist or the relevant wildlife authority.

  • Do not place a fish in untreated water, a bucket shared between spring groups or water of unknown temperature.
  • Do not release a captured fish into another spring or outlet unless the approved handling or translocation procedure specifically requires it.
  • Record the location, condition, likely cause, photographs where appropriate and people involved.
  • Report dead fish, signs of poisoning, sediment impacts, exotic fish or sudden changes in spring flow through the project incident system and to the relevant authority.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Stop-work and incident records

The spotter catcher or aquatic ecologist must have clear authority to stop work without waiting for approval from plant operators. Record decisions as they occur.

  • Log the time, location, activity, species or evidence found and the immediate control used.
  • Record any breach of an exclusion area, equipment contamination, water-quality event, fish handling or unapproved disturbance.
  • Mark the incident location on the site plan and retain photographs, field sheets and permit details.
  • Notify the project manager and approval contact as required by the permit, approval or management plan.
  • Do not restart until the cause has been controlled and the authorised environmental representative has released the work.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Post-work checks should confirm that the spring system remains connected, clean and suitable for fish. Monitoring should be scaled to the risk and the species listing, with more intensive follow-up where a project altered water, substrate, flow or access.

Inspect the entire work area and adjacent spring habitat after each work stage and again when the site is stable. Use the same locations and observations where possible so changes can be detected.

  • Check for stranded or injured fish, dead fish, eggs, sediment deposits, altered flow, barriers and damaged aquatic vegetation.
  • Remove temporary materials, rubbish, unused barriers and contaminated soil from the exclusion area without entering sensitive habitat unnecessarily.
  • Confirm that no fuel, concrete, chemicals, wastewater or sediment has reached a spring, pool or outlet.
  • Photograph restored areas and record water clarity, flow and visible fish activity.
  • Escalate any unexpected impact before further work proceeds.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

Set monitoring requirements in the approval conditions and project environmental management plan. Use an aquatic ecologist where the project could affect an occupied or connected spring.

  • Repeat fish and habitat observations at the agreed locations and conditions after construction and after major flow or water-quality events.
  • Compare fish detections, habitat condition, water temperature, clarity and flow with pre-work records.
  • Monitor for introduced fish, disease risks, reed or date palm expansion, trampling and new access impacts.
  • Report results, incidents, corrective actions and any failure to meet approval conditions to the project manager and relevant agencies.
  • Keep records of negative surveys as well as detections, because absence can reflect concealment or unsuitable survey conditions.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals

Relocation should be avoided unless it is authorised and forms part of a species-specific method. The isolated nature of spring populations makes release into an unsuitable or different spring risky.

  • Record the capture location, number, size, condition, holding conditions, release location and release time for every fish handled.
  • Use only clean, disinfected equipment and water conditions approved by the aquatic ecologist.
  • Release fish only where the approved method directs, with no mixing between spring populations unless expressly authorised.
  • Check the release area for flow, temperature, water quality and suitable bottom habitat before release.
  • Monitor relocated fish and the source and release sites if required by the approval.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review environmental incidents with the work crew, aquatic ecologist and project manager before the next stage. Use the review to improve controls rather than treating the incident as a one-off event.

  • Identify the cause, affected habitat, fish response and any remaining risk.
  • Update the method statement, exclusion map, induction and emergency contacts where needed.
  • Confirm that corrective actions have been completed and independently checked.
  • Report significant harm or suspected unlawful impact through the applicable approval and wildlife reporting pathway.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore spring habitat

Rehabilitation should restore spring function and protect the water source first. Dalhousie Catfish uses warm artesian pools and outlet streams, so general nest boxes, bat boxes and artificial roost structures are not suitable replacement habitat for this species.

Reinstate natural flow paths, pool connections and outlet channels where works have altered them. Use methods approved for the spring system and avoid sudden changes in discharge or water temperature.

  • Remove temporary crossings, fill, spoil and hardstand from the approved rehabilitation area.
  • Stabilise disturbed ground without allowing sediment to enter pools or outflows.
  • Retain or re-establish suitable aquatic and riparian vegetation where it supports bank stability and water quality.
  • Do not excavate pools or reshape spring margins to create fish habitat without a species-specific design and approval.
  • Prevent stock, feral animals, vehicles and visitors from trampling recovering habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water and biosecurity

Protect the Great Artesian Basin water source and the quality of each isolated spring. Rehabilitation must not introduce fish, pathogens, contaminated sediment or unsuitable water.

  • Cap or manage redundant bores and prevent unauthorised pumping where this is part of the approved water-management program.
  • Use clean fill and clean water from an approved source only.
  • Sterilise equipment before entering the spring system and between spring groups.
  • Keep fuels, fertilisers, chemicals, wastewater and washdown water outside aquatic exclusion areas.
  • Inspect rehabilitation areas for erosion, turbid runoff, flow reduction and exotic fish.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, palms and vegetation

Manage Common Reed, date palms and other vegetation according to a site-specific ecological plan. Avoid broad-scale removal that suddenly changes shade, flow, cover or water temperature.

  • Map weed and palm infestations before treatment.
  • Remove or control invasive vegetation using methods that keep herbicide, cut material and sediment out of the water.
  • Stage vegetation work so fish habitat remains available throughout the operation.
  • Retain native vegetation that stabilises banks or provides cover unless the aquatic ecologist identifies a clear risk.
  • Inspect treated areas for regrowth and follow up before the problem affects spring habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Artificial structures and lighting

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures for Dalhousie Catfish. The species scatters non-adhesive eggs over the substrate and has no known dependence on a constructed breeding or roosting structure.

  • Restore natural substrate, flow, depth and water quality instead of adding artificial breeding structures.
  • Keep lighting away from pools and outlet streams where possible.
  • Use the lowest practical light level, direct lights away from water, shield fittings and switch lights off when they are not required.
  • Prevent lighting, noise and visitor access from increasing pressure on isolated spring habitat.
  • Obtain aquatic ecological advice before installing any structure in or beside a spring.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitation until habitat condition is stable and the approval requirements are met. The monitoring design should track both fish response and the environmental conditions on which the fish depends.

  • Record fish detections, water temperature, flow, water clarity, substrate condition, vegetation cover and signs of introduced fish.
  • Use repeat observations at the same spring and outlet locations where practical.
  • Check for recruitment and changes in abundance where the approval requires demographic monitoring.
  • Review results after drought, major rainfall, water extraction changes, fire, weed treatment or other events that may affect the spring system.
  • Keep monitoring records with the site environmental file and provide them to the responsible land manager and agencies as required.

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