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Dalhousie Goby (Chlamydogobius gloveri)

The Dalhousie Goby is a small freshwater fish restricted to spring habitats at Dalhousie Springs in South Australia. Works near spring outlets, pools or outflows can affect its limited habitat through groundwater changes, trampling, excavation, pollution or exotic fish introductions. It is listed as Critically Endangered under Commonwealth legislation, Vulnerable in South Australia, and protected from take in South Australia.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

The Dalhousie Goby is poorly known in the wild, and species-specific breeding months have not been established. Its warm spring habitat and similarity to the Desert Goby support planning for possible breeding and young fish in all months until local surveys show a clearer pattern.

Breeding mode: Egg laying is expected for this goby, but the species-specific breeding mode has not been confirmed.

Breeding sites: Not recorded. Avoid disturbing spring pools, outflows, banks, aquatic vegetation and other potential shelter or spawning sites.

Clutch or egg number: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded. Breeding may occur over an extended period in the warm spring environment, based on its related species and habitat.

Conditions and breeding activity may vary between springs and years, so local monitoring should be used to refine timing before works commence.

  • Breeding activity, mating and egg laying: Treat all months as potentially suitable for breeding until site-based monitoring identifies a narrower period.
  • Eggs and young fish: Eggs and dependent young may be present at any time if breeding is extended or repeated through the year.
  • Adult activity in spring habitat: Adults are expected to remain active year round in the permanent warm springs where the species occurs.
  • Highest clearing risk: Plan clearing, excavation and construction near springs as high risk in every month because breeding timing is unresolved and the species has a very restricted range.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Dalhousie Goby is a small goby with a very limited range. Identification should be confirmed by an experienced aquatic ecologist, particularly where other Chlamydogobius species may occur.

Adults grow to about 40 mm long. The body is generally greyish, with a paler stomach.

A blue spot is present on the first dorsal fin. Males tend to develop darker fins than females, but they are less colourful than Desert Gobies.

Body colour: Greyish overall, with a paler stomach.

Diagnostic feature: Blue spot on the first dorsal fin and fused pelvic fins.

  • Gobies have fused pelvic fins, which helps separate them from many other small fish.
  • Handle any captured fish as little as possible and return them promptly to the same waterbody under the relevant permit.

Identification: Calls and similar species

No reliable call or other sound-based identification feature is documented for this species. Do not rely on calls during a fauna survey.

The Dalhousie Goby is not easily distinguished from other Chlamydogobius species. Its restricted range makes confusion less likely at Dalhousie Springs, but photographs or specimen-based confirmation may still be needed.

  • Desert Gobies are generally more colourful, especially in the fins.
  • Use an approved identification process where a project could affect spring habitat.

Identification: Field signs

There are no reliable nest, dropping, odour, stain, whitewash or other terrestrial field signs to use for this fish.

Live fish observations in spring pools, spring outlets and outflows are the relevant field evidence. Record the spring location, waterbody feature, number observed and any signs of habitat disturbance.

  • Look for fish in clear open water and along the edges of spring pools and outflows.
  • Record photographs where this can be done without entering or disturbing the spring.
  • Treat an unconfirmed small goby observation as potentially significant until identification is resolved.

Distribution: Australian range

The Dalhousie Goby has one of the most restricted distributions of Australian freshwater fish. The known range is centred on the Dalhousie Springs complex in South Australia.

The species is restricted to about 28 springs at Dalhousie Springs, in the Lake Eyre drainage division of South Australia. No other Australian state or region is identified for the species.

State: South Australia.

Known site: Dalhousie Springs complex.

Known spring locations: About 28 springs.

  • The Dalhousie Springs complex covers about 70 km².
  • The complex contains about 100 individual spring outlets, of which about 80 remain active.
  • The species is usually common within the springs where it occurs, but its total range is very small.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Dalhousie Goby is an Australian endemic. No overseas range is recognised.

Distribution: Site survey focus

For a clearing or construction project, map every spring outlet, pool and outflow that could be affected. Include connected wet areas and any location where groundwater discharge, surface flow or access conditions may change.

Survey planning should cover the full area of potential impact, not only the proposed footprint. A spring that is not occupied at one visit should not automatically be treated as unsuitable habitat.

  • Obtain project-specific advice before entering or sampling a spring.
  • Use qualified aquatic surveyors and confirm any permit requirements before handling fish or using nets.
  • Record inactive, modified or isolated spring features as well as occupied springs.

Habitat: Spring features to identify

The Dalhousie Goby is associated with natural groundwater discharge from the Great Artesian Basin. Its habitat is concentrated in freshwater spring systems, where changes to discharge, water quality, open water and aquatic cover can affect the species.

Look for spring outlets, warm-water pools and spring outflows. Dalhousie Springs includes pools and outflows, with many spring waters recorded at temperatures between 30°C and 46°C.

Map the relationship between each outlet, pool, outflow and any downstream wet area. These features may be affected differently by access, excavation or changes to groundwater flow.

Recorded spring temperature range: 30°C to 46°C.

  • Natural spring outlets and seepage points.
  • Open-water pools and shallow margins.
  • Spring outflows and connected wet channels.
  • Aquatic and emergent vegetation around the water edge.

Habitat: Habitat condition

Open water is a relevant habitat feature. At Dalhousie Springs, expansion of reedbeds following grazing control was associated with reduced open-water habitat and lower oxygen levels, showing that management changes can have unexpected effects on fish habitat.

Assess water depth, flow, water clarity, oxygen conditions, aquatic vegetation and signs of trampling or excavation at each spring. Avoid assuming that dense vegetation or a visually undisturbed margin is always suitable habitat.

  • Retain natural spring discharge and flow paths.
  • Prevent sediment, fuel, chemicals, concrete washout and other contaminants from entering spring water.
  • Keep vehicles, plant and stock away from spring outlets and pool margins unless access has been specifically approved.

Habitat: Development planning

Dalhousie Springs is within Witjira National Park and the spring group has received substantial protection. Protection does not remove the need for project-specific assessment where works, access, groundwater use or visitor activity could affect the springs.

Set out spring protection areas with the relevant land manager and aquatic ecologist before design is finalised. Use site-specific boundaries rather than an assumed generic buffer.

  • Map spring features before clearing, earthworks or access planning.
  • Assess groundwater extraction and any activity that could reduce spring discharge.
  • Keep temporary works, laydown areas and access routes away from spring habitat wherever practicable.

Foraging habitat: Features to retain

The Dalhousie Goby's diet and detailed foraging behaviour are poorly documented. In the field, treat the whole spring pool and outflow as potential foraging habitat rather than relying on a narrow feeding zone.

Retain a range of open-water areas, shallow margins and natural flow conditions. These features may support the small aquatic prey and other food resources used by the species, although its specific diet has not been established.

Avoid disturbing the bed, banks, aquatic vegetation and water column during surveys or works.

  • Natural spring pools and outflows.
  • Open-water margins and shallow edge habitat.
  • Stable aquatic substrates and natural water quality.
  • Flow connections between outlets, pools and outflows.

Foraging habitat: Water quality and food resources

Pollution from faeces, dead stock, sediment, fuel, chemicals or construction materials can degrade spring habitat and may reduce food resources as well as directly harming fish.

Use sediment and pollution controls that are suitable for a groundwater-fed spring system. Inspect controls after rain, vehicle movements or any incident involving plant or materials.

  • Do not discharge wash water or treated water into a spring.
  • Prevent stock and feral animals from entering spring pools where practicable.
  • Remove spilled material promptly under an approved incident response procedure.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

No species-specific foraging survey method has been established. Use a spring-by-spring aquatic survey led by a qualified fish ecologist, with observations recorded across pools, margins and outflows.

Non-invasive visual searches should be the first option. Netting or other research fishing must only occur under the appropriate permits and animal welfare procedures.

  • Survey representative habitat across each potentially affected spring feature.
  • Record water conditions, flow, vegetation, disturbance and fish observations together.
  • Avoid repeated disturbance of small or isolated spring habitats.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

The breeding biology of the Dalhousie Goby is poorly known, including its breeding months, egg numbers and breeding structures. Until site-specific information is available, all occupied spring habitat should be treated as potential breeding habitat.

Inspect spring pools, shallow margins, aquatic vegetation, rock or firm substrates and sheltered edges for fish activity or possible attachment sites. These observations are precautionary because a species-specific breeding structure has not been confirmed.

Do not remove vegetation, rocks or other aquatic features to search for eggs or breeding sites unless this is authorised as part of a permitted survey.

  • Spring pools and their margins.
  • Slow-flowing sections of spring outflows.
  • Sheltered areas among aquatic or emergent vegetation.
  • Natural substrates within occupied water.

Breeding habitat: Timing and life stages

There is no confirmed breeding period for the Dalhousie Goby. Avoid scheduling in-water works during periods when fish, eggs or juveniles are observed, and seek advice before works proceed if breeding activity is suspected.

Record adults, juveniles, eggs or larvae separately where they can be identified without handling. Do not infer that a spring is free of breeding activity from a single visit.

  • Plan surveys before construction and again if water conditions change.
  • Stop and seek ecological advice if eggs, larvae or concentrated fish activity are detected.
  • Maintain natural discharge, flow and water quality during works.

Breeding habitat: Protection during works

A Commonwealth Critically Endangered species requires a high level of protection during project planning. Avoid direct disturbance to occupied springs and do not relocate fish unless relocation has been specifically approved by the relevant authorities.

A fauna spotter catcher is not a substitute for a qualified aquatic fish ecologist at a spring. Escalate any proposed dewatering, excavation, diversion or isolation of spring water before work begins.

  • Use clearly marked no-entry areas around spring habitat.
  • Keep machinery and personnel out of pools and outflows unless approved access is essential.
  • Have a stop-work and notification procedure for fish, eggs or unexpected spring discharge changes.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features to retain

Specific sheltering habitat has not been described for the Dalhousie Goby. Spring pools and outflows should therefore be managed as occupied aquatic habitat, including their margins, vegetation and natural substrates.

Retain natural variation in pool edges, shallow water, aquatic vegetation, submerged structure and flow. These features can provide cover from predators and shelter from strong flow, although their use by the species has not been confirmed in detail.

Do not clear reedbeds, aquatic plants or bank vegetation without an ecological assessment of the likely effect on open water, oxygen conditions and fish cover.

  • Natural pool margins and shallow areas.
  • Aquatic and emergent vegetation.
  • Submerged natural structure and stable substrates.
  • Undisturbed sections of spring outflow.

Sheltering habitat: Access and disturbance

Vehicle access, foot traffic, stock and plant can damage spring margins, increase turbidity and alter shelter features. Use existing access routes where possible and keep people and equipment out of the water.

If access through habitat cannot be avoided, obtain approval for the method, timing and supervision before entry.

  • Use marked access routes and exclusion areas.
  • Prevent trampling of spring margins and outflows.
  • Keep temporary fencing, hoses, pumps and cables from crossing water unless specifically approved.
  • Do not capture, hold or move fish without the required permits.

Sheltering habitat: Monitoring after works

Inspect affected springs after construction and after any incident involving water flow, sediment or contamination. Compare water level, flow, open-water area, vegetation condition and fish observations with the pre-work record.

Report unexpected fish mortality, reduced discharge, blocked outflows or major water-quality changes immediately through the project's environmental incident process.

  • Keep photographic records from fixed safe locations.
  • Document any change to spring outlets, pools or outflows.
  • Continue monitoring where the approval or ecological risk assessment requires it.

Threats: Groundwater reduction and flow change

The Dalhousie Goby has a very small range, so impacts at individual springs can affect a significant part of the species' habitat. Development and land management should focus on maintaining groundwater discharge, water quality, open water and protection from introduced fish.

Reduced Great Artesian Basin discharge can reduce or alter the spring habitat on which the species depends. Groundwater extraction, bores, drainage, diversion or other changes to groundwater pressure require careful assessment.

Do not assume that a project outside the spring boundary is harmless if it could affect groundwater or spring flow.

  • Assess groundwater pathways and discharge risks before works begin.
  • Protect spring outlets and natural flow paths.
  • Monitor for reduced flow, drying, temperature change or altered pool conditions.

Threats: Physical disturbance and land management

Excavation, earthworks, access tracks, stock trampling and feral-animal activity can damage pools, margins and outflows. Sediment and physical disturbance can also change shelter and feeding habitat.

Changes in grazing management need to be assessed for their effect on both open water and aquatic vegetation. Expansion of reedbeds has been associated with reduced open water and lower oxygen levels at Dalhousie Springs.

  • Keep plant, vehicles, stock and materials away from spring habitat.
  • Do not excavate or reshape spring outlets, pools or outflows without approval.
  • Manage vegetation with advice from a spring and fish ecologist.

Threats: Pollution

Faeces, dead stock, sediment, fuel, chemicals and construction waste can degrade the clear freshwater habitats used by the species. Pollution controls should be designed for a sensitive spring system and maintained throughout the project.

Prepare an incident response plan before works start. Stop work and contain any spill or sediment release that could reach a spring.

  • Store fuels and chemicals away from spring discharge areas.
  • Use effective sediment, erosion and spill controls.
  • Do not wash equipment or discharge wastewater into spring habitat.
  • Remove dead stock and waste promptly under approved procedures.

Threats: Introduced fish and visitor pressure

Dalhousie Springs has remained free of introduced aquatic animals, including fish. Gambusia and other exotic fish are a serious biosecurity risk, and increased visitor activity could help warm spring pools become accessible to exotic tropical fish.

Prevent the transfer of water, fish, aquatic plants, mud and wet equipment between waterbodies. Collection of Dalhousie Gobies in the national park is prohibited without appropriate permits.

  • Use clean, dry or appropriately disinfected equipment between sites.
  • Do not release aquarium fish, bait or other animals into any spring.
  • Control unauthorised access to sensitive pools and outflows.
  • Report suspected exotic fish promptly to the land manager or relevant authority.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Dalhousie Goby is restricted to spring habitats at Dalhousie Springs in South Australia and is poorly known in the wild. Treat every suitable spring, outflow and connected pool as potential habitat, and use aquatic survey methods led by an experienced freshwater fish ecologist.

Map all springs, spring vents, outflows, pools and surface water connections within and downstream of the work area.

Review records, aerial imagery, groundwater information, recent flow data, access constraints and previous fish surveys before entering the site.

Check whether the work could alter spring discharge, water quality, aquatic vegetation, shading, flow paths or access by exotic fish.

Known setting: Dalhousie Springs complex, South Australia

Recorded extent: About 28 springs

Identification cue: Small greyish goby, about 40 mm, with fused pelvic fins and a blue spot on the first dorsal fin

  • Obtain current threatened-species and fisheries advice for South Australia before planning works.
  • Use the Dalhousie Springs occurrence information as a guide, but do not assume that an unrecorded spring is unoccupied.

Survey methodology: 2. Aquatic detection survey

Survey in clear water where possible, using slow visual searches of spring vents, shallow margins, pools and outflows. Look beneath banks, around aquatic vegetation and among available cover.

Use hand nets, traps or other capture methods only under the relevant permit and under the direction of an appropriately experienced fish ecologist. Minimise handling and release fish at the capture location unless an approved translocation or salvage plan applies.

Environmental DNA may support a survey, but use a validated method and interpret negative results cautiously, especially where water is flowing or poorly mixed.

  • Survey during daylight and record visibility, flow, water level, water temperature and recent weather.
  • Repeat searches when conditions are unsuitable or detection is likely to be poor.
  • Avoid spreading aquatic weeds, pathogens or exotic fish by disinfecting and drying equipment between waterbodies.

Survey methodology: 3. Survey design and records

There is no established species-specific survey effort or breeding calendar. Set effort according to the number and type of springs, habitat complexity, access and the potential consequences of the work.

Record the search area, survey duration, observers, equipment, capture effort, water conditions and all results, including no detections.

Photograph habitat and representative fish where this can be done without stressing or removing them. Confirm identification with a specialist if other Chlamydogobius species may occur.

  • Record GPS locations for each observation and each surveyed spring or outflow.
  • Record fish numbers where practicable, approximate size classes, life stages, behaviour and signs of breeding activity.
  • Document spring flow, pool connection, depth, substrate, aquatic vegetation, cover, turbidity, water temperature and evidence of trampling, pollution or exotic species.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoid disturbance to springs and their groundwater supply wherever practicable. Because the species is listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth conservation profile, obtain approvals early and use a specialist aquatic fauna plan for any work that may affect occupied or potential habitat.

Have the project ecologist assess whether the action may affect the Dalhousie Goby or its spring habitat and whether an EPBC Act referral is required. Do not rely on a state approval as a substitute for Commonwealth assessment.

Obtain South Australian approvals for taking, handling, surveying or relocating fish, and confirm requirements under fisheries and national park legislation. Collection in a national park requires appropriate permits.

A Queensland species management program is not generally the relevant pathway for a South Australian species at Dalhousie Springs. If work is proposed in Queensland or could affect Queensland-regulated breeding places, seek advice from the Queensland regulator before disturbance and obtain a species management program where required.

  • Keep approval conditions, permits, maps and the fauna management plan at the work front.
  • Nominate the authorised aquatic fauna ecologist and the person who can stop work.
  • Include emergency contacts for the regulator, wildlife rehabilitator and project manager.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Redesign works to avoid spring vents, pools, outflows, wetted margins and the groundwater source that sustains them.

Establish a site-specific aquatic exclusion area before mobilisation. The boundary should cover the spring, connected surface water, vulnerable banks and any area where sediment, fuel, concrete, wastewater or altered drainage could enter.

Do not set a generic buffer without a hydrological assessment. A groundwater specialist and freshwater fish ecologist should define the protected area and controls for each site.

  • Fence and sign exclusion areas before plant arrives.
  • Keep vehicles, spoil, fuels, chemicals, concrete washout and waste outside the exclusion area.
  • Prevent changes to spring discharge, flow paths, water temperature, shading and water quality.
  • Control livestock and feral-animal access where trampling threatens spring margins.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and timing

Complete the aquatic pre-clearance survey shortly before works, after the exclusion controls are installed and under conditions suitable for detection.

No reliable breeding months or migration period are established for the Dalhousie Goby. Do not assume that a particular season is safe. Schedule works to avoid occupied habitat whenever possible and obtain specialist advice if breeding behaviour, eggs, juveniles or a breeding aggregation is detected.

If flow, water quality or habitat has changed since the survey, stop and reassess before starting.

  • Survey every spring, pool and outflow that could be affected directly or indirectly.
  • Use a specialist to assess eggs, larvae, juveniles or suspected breeding places.
  • Treat a spring as occupied where fish are detected or where evidence is inconclusive but suitable habitat remains.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and contingency planning

Brief all workers, operators, supervisors and fauna spotter catchers before work starts. Use photographs, maps and a simple stop-work procedure.

Explain that the species is small, restricted in range and difficult to distinguish from other gobies without experience.

Prepare a contingency for unexpected dewatering, pollution, exotic fish, injured animals and loss of spring flow.

  • Show the exclusion boundary and approved access routes at the pre-start meeting.
  • Prohibit unauthorised fishing, netting, collection and movement of aquatic animals or water.
  • Make clean equipment, spill kits, aerated holding equipment and suitable transport available only where authorised by the fauna plan.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged approach that keeps water and spring habitat intact. The fauna spotter catcher or aquatic ecologist must have clear authority to stop work whenever the permit conditions, exclusion controls or animal welfare requirements cannot be met.

Clear from the edge of the approved work area towards the centre, keeping escape routes to retained water and habitat wherever practicable.

Do not drain, isolate, infill, pump or divert a spring, pool or outflow without an approved aquatic fauna procedure and the required authority.

Inspect pumps, trenches, pipes, spoil areas and temporary water bodies before they are moved, covered or dewatered.

  • Keep plant outside aquatic exclusion areas unless specifically authorised.
  • Use sediment, erosion and spill controls before earthworks begin.
  • Stop work if water becomes turbid, contaminated, warmer or colder than expected, or if spring discharge changes.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Animal handling and breeding places

Only authorised and suitably trained personnel may capture, handle, identify, hold or relocate a Dalhousie Goby. Keep handling brief, use clean equipment and return fish to the same suitable water unless an approved plan directs otherwise.

If an active breeding place, eggs, juveniles or a breeding aggregation is found, stop work in the affected area. Protect the water, substrate, cover and flow supporting the site, and obtain direction from the project ecologist and regulator before proceeding.

Do not disturb eggs, aquatic vegetation or shelter to improve visibility unless this is part of an approved survey or salvage method.

  • Mark the location without entering the water unnecessarily.
  • Maintain the exclusion area while the breeding place is assessed.
  • Do not create nest boxes, bat boxes or terrestrial artificial structures for this fish.
  • Use a specialist-designed aquatic refuge or salvage method only where unavoidable impact has been approved.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Injured or stranded animals

Stop work and keep the area stable if a fish is injured, stranded, trapped or exposed by changing water levels.

Contact the authorised aquatic fauna ecologist immediately. Follow the approved handling, holding and release procedure, including water-quality and temperature controls.

Do not release an animal into another spring or waterbody without written approval and a documented translocation plan.

  • Photograph the animal and location if this can be done without delaying care.
  • Record the cause, condition, time, response and release or transfer outcome.
  • Escalate deaths, disease signs, pollution or exotic fish to the regulator and project manager.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Work records and stop-work events

Maintain a daily fauna log for all aquatic inspections, detections, captures, handling events, breeding places, injuries, deaths and stop-work directions.

Record the work activity, location, weather, water conditions, personnel, permit reference and corrective action.

Report any breach of the exclusion area, water-quality control or approval condition as soon as it occurs.

  • Keep records of photographs, GPS points, samples, chain of custody and laboratory results.
  • Record nil findings as well as detections.
  • Have the spotter catcher sign off each completed aquatic work stage.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

A site is not clear until all aquatic work areas, equipment and temporary structures have been checked. Follow up any impact to spring flow, water quality or fish habitat, and use the results to improve the remaining works.

Inspect the completed work area, spring margins, pools, outflows, trenches, pipes, sumps and spoil areas before demobilisation.

Check that no fish remain stranded, trapped or isolated and that all approved escape routes and water connections remain functional.

Remove temporary barriers, pumps and equipment only after the aquatic ecologist confirms that doing so will not cause harm.

  • Check for sediment, fuel, concrete, rubbish, weed fragments and dead fish.
  • Repair damaged banks and flow paths promptly under ecological supervision.
  • Keep exclusion fencing in place where rehabilitation or follow-up monitoring is required.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

Monitor occupied or potentially occupied springs after works at a frequency and duration set by the approval and the project ecologist. Focus on fish presence, spring discharge, water quality, aquatic vegetation, bank condition and exotic species.

Compare post-work observations with pre-work records and reference springs where available.

Submit required reports to the Commonwealth and South Australian regulators, and provide the land manager with maps, photographs, survey results and incidents.

  • Report any decline in fish observations, spring flow or habitat condition promptly.
  • Record all relocated animals and their release locations, condition and follow-up results.
  • Retain raw data and permit records for the period required by the approval.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Incident review

Review every injury, death, pollution event, unexpected fish detection, breeding-place discovery and stop-work event with the project team.

Identify whether the cause was planning, access, equipment, supervision, water control or communication.

Update the fauna management plan, induction and method statements before the next work stage.

  • Hold a debrief with the spotter catcher, aquatic ecologist, supervisors and operators.
  • Track corrective actions to completion.
  • Share lessons with contractors working at other spring sites.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore spring habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the spring processes and aquatic habitat on which the Dalhousie Goby depends. Prioritise natural groundwater discharge, clean water, connected pools and suitable cover over artificial structures.

Remove unnecessary fill, hardstand, temporary crossings and drainage changes that affect spring vents, pools or outflows.

Re-establish natural flow paths and stable shallow margins using locally appropriate materials and methods approved by the land manager and aquatic ecologist.

Retain open water and a balanced mosaic of aquatic vegetation and shelter. Avoid dense reedbed expansion that reduces open water or oxygen levels.

  • Prevent sediment and contaminated runoff from entering springs.
  • Do not excavate or deepen a spring unless specifically approved for ecological restoration.
  • Use local genetic material and clean equipment for aquatic revegetation.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water and biosecurity

Protect the groundwater supply and spring discharge from extraction impacts, contamination and physical disturbance.

Control livestock and feral-animal trampling where it damages banks, shallow margins or water quality.

Prevent the introduction of gambusia and other exotic aquatic animals, weeds and pathogens.

  • Use dedicated clean equipment or disinfect equipment between springs.
  • Keep chemicals, fuels, sewage, stock feed and waste away from water.
  • Inspect restored areas after rain, maintenance and high visitor use.
  • Report exotic fish or unusual disease signs immediately.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Artificial habitat and lighting

Nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites and roost structures are not suitable replacement measures for this fish.

Only install artificial aquatic shelter, such as carefully designed submerged cover, where a freshwater fish ecologist has shown that it suits the spring, will not alter flow or water quality, and is approved by the land manager.

Retain natural banks, substrate, aquatic plants and connected water wherever possible.

  • Do not place untreated, contaminated or mobile material in a spring.
  • Check that any approved aquatic structure cannot trap fish or provide refuge for exotic species.
  • Limit night lighting near springs and use shielded, low-spill lighting where lighting cannot be avoided.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring

Monitor restored habitat and fish use over the period required by the approval. Include reference sites where possible and use consistent methods on each visit.

Track fish detections, size classes, breeding evidence, spring discharge, water temperature, water quality, aquatic vegetation, bank stability, weeds and exotic species.

Adapt rehabilitation if fish use declines, open water is lost, flow changes or invasive species appear.

  • Keep a photographic record from fixed locations.
  • Review results with the land manager and relevant regulators.
  • Maintain weed, erosion, visitor and feral-animal controls after construction has ended.

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