Hunter Galaxias (Galaxias cv.)

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

The Hunter galaxias is a poorly known, undescribed freshwater fish from isolated populations in the Hunter River catchment, New South Wales. Species-specific breeding months have not been recorded, so works should allow for breeding and young fish in any month.

Breeding mode: Egg-laying freshwater fish. Species-specific reproductive details are not recorded.

Clutch or litter size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding sites: Not recorded. Avoid disturbing shallow streams, banks, instream cover and other occupied habitat until assessed by a freshwater fish ecologist.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing may vary between years and locations with flow, water temperature, drought, fire and storm conditions.

• Potential spawning activity: Spawning months are unknown, so occupied suitable habitat should be treated as potentially active year round.
• Potential eggs and young fish: The timing and duration of egg and young-fish stages are not recorded, so avoid assuming that any month is free of breeding risk.
• Freshwater population presence and activity: Small isolated populations are present in the Hunter River catchment and may occupy habitat throughout the year.
• Low flow, high temperature, fire and sedimentation risk: Risk is driven by site conditions and disturbance events rather than a documented seasonal cycle.
• Highest clearing risk: Treat all months as high risk because breeding timing is unknown and works may affect adults, eggs, young fish or isolated populations.

Identification: Appearance and identification

The Hunter galaxias is a small freshwater galaxiid that has been recognised through genetic work but has not yet been formally described. Field identification can be difficult because it occurs within the Galaxias olidus complex and no diagnostic physical characters are currently available.

Use the common name Hunter galaxias when recording a suspected animal. Confirm records through an appropriately qualified freshwater fish ecologist, as other Galaxias olidus complex taxa may look similar.

Do not rely on visual identification alone for a definitive record. Retain clear photographs and follow approved fish handling, voucher and genetic sampling procedures where confirmation is required.

Group: Freshwater fish

Family: Galaxiidae

Formal description: Not yet completed

Identification: Calls and similar species

Fish calls and echolocation are not relevant field identification methods for this species. The main identification issue is separation from other members of the Galaxias olidus complex.

There are no species-specific call, acoustic or other behaviour cues described for the Hunter galaxias.

• Treat an unconfirmed galaxias from the Hunter catchment as a potential Hunter galaxias until an expert assessment is completed.
• Record the stream, pool or refuge where the fish was found, together with photographs and waterway conditions.

Identification: Field signs

There are no reliable terrestrial field signs such as droppings, nests, whitewash, odour or stains. The main evidence is a live fish observation, a suitable image, or an appropriately documented capture.

Avoid unnecessary handling. Use qualified personnel and approved methods for any fish survey or relocation.

Distribution: Australian range

The Hunter galaxias is endemic to New South Wales. It is known from a section of the Hunter River catchment, where it persists as a series of small, isolated populations.

Plan for the species in the Hunter River catchment, New South Wales. The known area of occupancy is 44 km², but the species account does not provide public locality details or named tributaries.

The mapped extent should not be assumed to represent the full area where the species could occur. Small populations may be separated by unsuitable or occupied habitat belonging to other fish communities.

• Check project mapping against current threatened species and aquatic fauna databases.
• Seek site-specific advice before works near permanent or intermittent streams in the relevant Hunter catchment area.
• Include upstream and downstream habitats in the assessment where construction could affect water quality or fish movement.

Distribution: Site records and confidence

The species is poorly known and was recently recognised as a new lineage. A lack of previous records should not be treated as evidence that the species is absent.

Keep precise records of survey dates, water levels, weather, fishing effort, captured species and all potential habitat inspected.

Known state: New South Wales

Known region: Hunter River catchment

Overseas range: None known; the species is endemic to New South Wales

Habitat: Waterways and landforms

Species-specific habitat information is limited. For project planning, focus on connected freshwater stream habitat and on nearby refuges that may retain fish during drought, heat and low flows.

Inspect streams, tributary channels, pools and connected refuge areas within and downstream of the work footprint. Give particular attention to sections that retain water when surrounding reaches are shallow or dry.

Consider the full drainage pathway, not only the immediate clearing area. Sediment, toxic fire retardants, altered flows and construction pollutants can affect habitat beyond the project boundary.

• Map all watercourses and connected pools before clearing or earthworks.
• Identify barriers, shallow crossings, disturbed banks and likely refuge pools.
• Maintain aquatic connectivity wherever practicable.

Habitat: Riparian and catchment setting

Retain riparian vegetation and stable stream banks wherever possible. Vegetation and intact banks help moderate water temperature, reduce sediment entry and protect aquatic refuge habitat.

Assess upstream sources of sediment, runoff and contaminants, including roads, burns, stock access, cleared slopes and construction areas.

• Use erosion and sediment controls before soil disturbance begins.
• Keep spoil, chemicals and concrete washout away from drainage lines.
• Plan fire response and suppression activities to reduce the risk of contaminated runoff entering habitat.

Foraging habitat: Areas to inspect

The diet and feeding sites of the Hunter galaxias have not been characterised. General freshwater fish survey practice should therefore cover a range of flow conditions and aquatic microhabitats.

Survey pool margins, shallow runs, undercut banks, coarse substrate and other sheltered parts of the channel. Include connected backwaters or wet depressions where fish may persist during low flows.

Avoid assuming that only the deepest or clearest water is suitable. Small isolated populations may use limited refuges during drought and high temperatures.

• Inspect both flowing and still sections of the stream.
• Record water depth in descriptive terms, flow, substrate, cover, water temperature and turbidity.
• Look for barriers that could restrict access to feeding or refuge areas.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Use a freshwater fish ecologist to select survey methods that suit the waterway and minimise harm. Method choice should account for water level, temperature, habitat complexity and the presence of other threatened fish.

Record effort and conditions for every survey so that repeat surveys can be compared. A single unsuccessful survey should not be used on its own to clear a site.

• Obtain any required approvals before capture, handling or relocation.
• Stop or modify work if fish are found in the impact area.
• Release captured fish promptly at the approved location unless an authorised voucher or genetic sample is required.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

Breeding habitat, spawning sites and breeding timing have not been characterised for the Hunter galaxias. Protect all occupied and connected stream habitat because damage to a small population may affect both adult fish and recruitment.

Treat shallow margins, pools, runs and connected stream sections as potential breeding habitat until a fish ecologist confirms otherwise. Avoid disturbing gravel, cobble, woody cover, banks and shallow edge habitat within the aquatic footprint.

Do not place temporary crossings, pumps, sediment controls or hardstands in the channel unless they have been assessed and approved for the site.

• Maintain natural flow paths and aquatic connectivity.
• Prevent sediment deposition in pools and shallow margins.
• Schedule in-stream works only after site-specific aquatic fauna advice and approvals.

Breeding habitat: Breeding information and controls

No reliable breeding months, spawning substrate, clutch size or early life stage information is available for this species. Use a precautionary approach throughout the year rather than relying on a short low-risk season.

If eggs, larvae or juvenile fish are found, stop disturbance in the immediate area and obtain specialist advice before work continues.

• Include breeding habitat checks in pre-clearance aquatic surveys.
• Protect upstream and downstream water quality during all earthworks.
• Do not relocate fish without an approved method and suitably qualified personnel.

Sheltering habitat: Refuge features to retain

Specific sheltering habitat has not been described. Small, isolated populations are likely to depend on the limited aquatic refuges that remain wet and suitable during drought, high temperatures and fire-related impacts.

Inspect permanent or semi-permanent pools, deeper channel sections, undercut banks, coarse substrate, woody cover and shaded margins. These features may provide shelter from predators, heat and low flows.

Retain natural banks, bed structure, riparian shade and connections between pools wherever practicable.

• Do not drain or isolate pools during construction.
• Keep machinery out of the channel unless authorised and unavoidable.
• Provide fish passage around temporary barriers where required by the site aquatic fauna plan.

Sheltering habitat: Dry conditions and emergency response

Low water levels and high water temperatures currently reduce the impact of alien trout in some areas, but they also increase stress on Hunter galaxias populations. Drought can concentrate fish into very small refuges.

Fire, severe storms and flooding can rapidly change refuge habitat. Include aquatic fauna protection in drought, fire and flood response planning.

• Monitor water levels and temperature during high-risk works.
• Inspect downstream refuge pools after major storms, flooding or fire.
• Prevent fire retardants, sediment and contaminated runoff from entering streams.

Threats: Alien trout and barriers

The Hunter galaxias faces a high risk of extinction because its populations are small, isolated and exposed to catastrophic events. Development and land management should avoid adding barriers, sediment, heat or toxic runoff to occupied catchments.

Alien trout can prey on galaxiids and compete with them for habitat. Trout colonisation of a stream containing one of the last populations could cause local extinction.

Road crossings, culverts, weirs and temporary construction structures can also isolate populations or give predators access to new habitat.

• Check for existing and proposed barriers during project design.
• Maintain or restore fish passage where feasible.
• Report suspected trout invasion through the relevant land manager or aquatic fauna authority.
• Do not move fish, trout or other aquatic organisms between waterways.

Threats: Sediment, runoff and water quality

Sedimentation after severe storms and flooding is a recognised threat. Clearing, excavation, unsealed access tracks and poorly controlled drainage can increase this risk.

Toxic fire retardants and other construction contaminants can enter streams through runoff. These impacts may occur downstream of the work area.

• Stage clearing to minimise exposed soil.
• Install and maintain erosion and sediment controls before earthworks.
• Separate clean water from dirty water around the work area.
• Keep fuels, chemicals, concrete washout and spoil away from drainage lines.
• Inspect controls after heavy rain and repair them promptly.

Threats: Drought, heat and fire

Drought and fire can reduce available refuge habitat and increase water temperature. Extreme weather can affect several isolated populations at the same time.

Works that remove shade, alter flow or increase runoff can add pressure during already stressful conditions.

• Retain riparian vegetation and shade.
• Avoid unnecessary changes to channel form and drainage.
• Include fish rescue and aquatic pollution response procedures in incident plans.
• Escalate any fish distress, fish kills or drying refuge pools to the project ecologist and relevant authority.

Threats: Genetic and population risk

Low genetic variability and isolation increase the risk from disease, extreme weather, fire and other single catastrophic events. A small population can be affected by a relatively limited disturbance.

There are no species-specific clearing buffers or construction exclusion distances established in the species account. Set protective areas through a site-specific aquatic assessment and the relevant approval conditions.

• Treat every confirmed or suspected population as significant.
• Avoid clearing or construction in occupied stream habitat wherever practicable.
• Use targeted surveys before works, during high-risk activities and after incidents.
• Consider trout barriers and carefully assessed translocation only through the relevant conservation authorities and approved programs.

Threats: Status and project response

The Hunter galaxias is profiled as an EVNT species and has a Commonwealth conservation status of Critically Endangered. Apply the highest level of survey, impact avoidance and incident response used by the project for threatened freshwater fauna.

Confirm the current legal requirements and approval pathway before clearing, in-stream works, dewatering, relocation or disturbance to a breeding place.

• Engage a qualified freshwater fish ecologist early in project design.
• Maintain a clear stop-work process for fish discoveries and pollution events.
• Record all survey results, incidental observations, handling and release details.
• Use targeted management to prevent trout spread and protect water quality.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Hunter galaxias is an undescribed freshwater fish with small, isolated populations in the Hunter River catchment. Use aquatic surveyors who can distinguish it from other members of the Galaxias olidus complex, and treat uncertain identifications as significant until confirmed.

Map all streams, pools, refuge habitat and downstream connections that could be affected by clearing, earthworks, crossings, dewatering or changed flows.

Review recent records, catchment mapping, drought and fire history, trout distribution, likely sediment pathways and proposed works footprints.

Obtain advice from the relevant NSW threatened species and fisheries authorities before selecting survey methods or handling fish.

• Assume presence where suitable habitat is connected to a known population unless a qualified aquatic ecologist supports a different conclusion.
• Identify access points, safe electrofishing locations, potential barriers and areas where sediment or toxic fire retardants could enter the waterway.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Use a trained freshwater fish team and methods suited to the waterbody. Electrofishing is likely to be useful in wadeable streams, with seine nets, dip nets or other approved methods used where safe and appropriate.

Survey clear, low-flow conditions where possible. Avoid relying on results from high flows, extreme turbidity, very high water temperatures or periods when access would damage the stream bed and banks.

Survey across more than one suitable season where the project may affect habitat for an extended period. No reliable breeding or migration period is established, so do not use a narrow seasonal window as evidence of absence.

• Use appropriate fish welfare procedures, disinfect equipment between sites and prevent transfer of trout, pathogens, sediment and aquatic weeds.
• Stop or change the method if fish show stress, water temperatures are unsafe, electrical conditions are unsuitable or the substrate would be damaged.
• Where the species cannot be confidently separated from similar galaxiids, retain suitable photographs, voucher material or genetic samples only under the relevant authority and submit them to an experienced taxonomist.

Survey methodology: 3. Survey effort and site records

Set effort according to stream size, habitat complexity, access and the likely consequence of missing a population. A single negative survey should not clear a connected site where detection conditions were poor.

Record the date, start and finish times, weather, recent rainfall, flow, water temperature, turbidity, conductivity, water depth, habitat types and survey method.

Record the length or area searched, effort by method, number of operators, all fish captured, identification confidence and any trout or other introduced species detected.

• Map each detection with a field-accurate location and photograph the site.
• Describe pools, undercut banks, coarse substrate, cover, refuge areas, barriers, riparian condition and signs of sedimentation or fire impacts.
• Record injured or dead fish, disease signs, water quality incidents, barriers and any evidence of recent disturbance.

Survey methodology: 4. Interpreting results

Have an aquatic ecologist review all records before works are approved. Treat a suspected Hunter galaxias, an unknown galaxiid in suitable habitat or a new population as a stop-work trigger.

Report positive detections promptly to the project manager and the relevant authority. Keep sensitive location information secure and share it with land managers and regulators as required.

Use survey results to revise the construction footprint, access route, waterway controls and monitoring plan.

• Do not infer absence from a failure to capture fish where flows, turbidity, temperature or access limited detection.
• Check whether trout are present upstream, downstream or in connected tributaries, and assess the risk of colonisation during and after the works.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoidance is the first response because the species persists in small, isolated populations and may be vulnerable to one damaging event. Complete approvals, survey, planning and crew training before machinery or waterway works begin.

Confirm the current conservation listing and the action proposed before finalising the method statement. If the Hunter galaxias is confirmed as Commonwealth listed and the action may have a significant impact, obtain an EPBC Act referral decision before works start.

Obtain all applicable NSW threatened species, fisheries, scientific research, animal ethics and national park or reserve approvals. Confirm whether a separate authority is needed for electrofishing, capture, transport, release or genetic sampling.

If work is proposed in Queensland, check whether protected wildlife breeding place provisions apply and obtain a species management program where required. Confirm equivalent state requirements in any other jurisdiction before works proceed.

• Keep approval conditions, permits, maps, contact details and the fauna management plan at the work front.
• Use only authorised personnel for capture, handling, transport and release.
• Do not rely on a general clearing approval where aquatic threatened species or fish handling are separately regulated.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Redesign works to avoid known or suspected habitat, stream crossings, refuge pools and connected channels. Keep plant, spoil, fuel, concrete washout and sediment controls outside the aquatic environment wherever practicable.

Do not isolate, drain, divert or fill a waterway without a species-specific method approved by the relevant authority and supervised by an aquatic ecologist.

Because no species-specific buffer distances are established, set a conservative aquatic and riparian exclusion zone through the approval process. Mark it clearly and expand it where topography, soil, fire risk or flow paths could carry impacts into the habitat.

• Install sediment, erosion, dewatering and spill controls before ground disturbance.
• Use clean, disinfected plant and equipment, and inspect it before entering the catchment.
• Prevent trout movement into occupied or newly protected habitat by retaining approved barriers and avoiding works that create a new fish passage pathway for trout.
• Schedule noisy, unstable or high-risk works outside the exclusion zone and use low-impact access routes.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance aquatic survey

Complete the final aquatic survey shortly before works, after controls are installed but before disturbance begins. Survey all affected reaches, upstream and downstream risk areas, diversion channels and any dewatering footprint.

Confirm whether conditions were suitable for detection. If not, delay the decision, improve the survey or apply the precautionary presence assumption.

Have an aquatic ecologist confirm the location of any suspected Hunter galaxias and any habitat that must remain undisturbed.

• Check for fish, stranded individuals, refuge pools, eggs or spawning activity where these can be assessed without disturbing the habitat.
• Inspect for trout, barriers, sediment deposits, pollution and recent fire impacts.
• Document the pre-work condition with photographs, mapped points and water quality observations.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing and induction

No reliable breeding or migration timing is established for the Hunter galaxias. Avoid in-stream disturbance during low flows, drought, extreme heat, high fire risk, severe storms and periods of poor water quality.

Include a stop-work procedure in the induction. Explain the species appearance may be difficult to confirm and that similar galaxiids must be treated cautiously.

Give all workers a map of exclusion zones, spill response steps, reporting contacts and the location of clean equipment.

• Induct operators, supervisors, spotter catchers, aquatic ecologists and subcontractors before each work stage.
• Tell workers never to collect, move, photograph for release or release a fish unless authorised under the approved procedure.
• Require immediate reporting of any fish, dead fish, unusual galaxiid, trout, pollution or damaged control measure.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing and waterway protection

Use staged works that keep water connected and habitat wet wherever possible. The fauna spotter catcher or aquatic ecologist must have authority to stop work and must act on suspected detections, not only confirmed identifications.

Clear from the least sensitive area towards the retained habitat, completing sediment, erosion and spill controls before each stage.

Keep machinery out of the stream and riparian exclusion zone unless the approved method specifically permits entry. Use a supervised, low-impact sequence for any unavoidable crossing or dewatering.

Maintain downstream water quality and flow. Prevent sudden releases of turbid water, contaminated water or trapped fish when pumps, cofferdams or diversions are used.

• Inspect controls at the start of each shift and after rain or flow changes.
• Stop work if a control fails, water becomes visibly contaminated, fish become stranded or the approved footprint is exceeded.
• Do not use toxic fire retardants, fuels, concrete wash water or other contaminants near the waterway.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Finding a fish or suspected habitat

Stop the relevant activity immediately if a Hunter galaxias, an unknown galaxiid, a stranded fish, spawning activity or previously unmapped refuge habitat is found.

Keep people, plant and sediment away from the location. Do not net, move or release the animal until the authorised aquatic specialist has assessed the situation.

Contact the project manager and relevant authority, follow the permit conditions and revise the method before restarting.

• Treat a fish in an isolated pool, diversion, pump intake or dewatered area as an urgent rescue situation.
• Use only the approved capture, holding, transport and release method, with clean equipment and suitable water conditions.
• Record the location, condition, photographs, water quality, suspected cause and all actions taken.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

Only people authorised under the approval may capture, handle, transport or release the Hunter galaxias. Minimise handling time and keep the fish in clean, oxygenated water from the capture site unless the approved protocol requires otherwise.

Do not transfer fish between catchments or release them at an unapproved location. Any relocation must be directed by the relevant authority and an aquatic specialist.

For an injured or distressed animal, stop the cause of harm, contact the nominated wildlife or fisheries authority and follow the approved treatment or euthanasia pathway.

• Do not provide unapproved medication, food or treatment.
• Keep a chain of custody for any retained specimen or genetic sample.
• Report mortality immediately, including fish found dead without an obvious project cause where it occurs within the work area.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Records and authority to stop

The fauna spotter catcher, aquatic ecologist and site supervisor must have clear authority to stop work without waiting for further approval. Resume only after the trigger has been assessed, controls are effective and the restart decision is documented.

Maintain a daily fauna and waterway record for each work front.

Include permit breaches, near misses, captures, releases, injuries, mortalities, trout sightings, spills, turbidity events and control failures in the project incident system.

• Use mapped photographs and time-stamped records.
• Record who made each decision and which authority or specialist was consulted.
• Notify regulators within the timeframe required by the approval or incident condition.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Immediate post-clearance checks

Post-work checks should confirm that no fish remain stranded and that the waterway has returned to a stable condition. Monitoring should focus on population persistence, trout risk, water quality and the condition of connected refuge habitat.

Inspect the full work area, diversions, cofferdams, pump intakes, stockpiles and downstream margins after each stage and again when temporary structures are removed.

Search for stranded, injured or dead fish and check that flow, cover and water quality are suitable before removing controls.

Do not leave isolated pools, blocked channels, exposed substrate, sediment deposits or contaminated water within the affected reach.

• Remove temporary barriers and equipment only under aquatic specialist supervision.
• Check downstream habitat after rainfall or a rapid change in flow.
• Photograph the completed work and any residual impact.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated animals and releases

Verify every approved relocation or release with a location, date, number of animals, condition, method, water source and authority reference.

Check release sites for suitable flow, cover, water quality and absence of project-related contaminants before release.

Follow up any holding, mortality or unusual behaviour through the nominated aquatic specialist and regulator.

• Do not release fish into a different catchment or outside the approved release location.
• Reconcile all captured animals with released, retained and deceased records.
• Report failed releases, unexpected mortality or signs of disease promptly.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring and reporting

Use post-work surveys where the project may have affected occupied or connected habitat. Compare results with the pre-work condition and use the same methods where practical.

Set monitoring duration and frequency with the relevant authority and aquatic ecologist because species-specific detection and population protocols are still developing.

Report changes in abundance, distribution, habitat condition, trout presence, barriers, sedimentation and water quality.

• Continue checks through representative flow and weather conditions rather than relying on one visit.
• Map any new population or refuge habitat and protect sensitive location data.
• Submit a completion report covering approvals, survey effort, incidents, controls, captures, releases, rehabilitation and outstanding risks.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review any fish death, escape, sediment release, spill, failed barrier, unauthorised handling or work outside the approved footprint before the next stage begins.

Identify the cause, affected area, response time and whether the method, induction, supervision or controls need to change.

Share lessons with the project team, land manager, regulators and contractors as required.

• Update the fauna management plan and maps after every significant incident.
• Do not repeat a work stage until the corrective action is verified.
• Retain records for the period required by the approval and environmental management system.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Stream and riparian restoration

Rehabilitation should restore cool, connected, clean freshwater habitat and reduce the chance of trout invasion. Design works with an aquatic ecologist because the Hunter galaxias has poorly known habitat and breeding requirements.

Reinstate natural channel form, stable banks, riparian cover, shade, pools and shallow refuge habitat where these were disturbed.

Use local, suitable native plants and stabilise exposed soil without placing loose material into the channel. Remove temporary crossings, spoil, waste and redundant structures.

Reconnect surface flow and maintain fish passage for the Hunter galaxias while avoiding the creation of new trout access routes.

• Control erosion at the source and inspect after rain.
• Use clean local materials where habitat features need to be replaced.
• Protect restored areas from stock, vehicles, trampling and unauthorised access until stable.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water quality and weeds

Maintain sediment, nutrient, chemical and temperature controls for the full rehabilitation period, not only during construction.

Remove aquatic and riparian weeds using methods approved for threatened fish habitat. Prevent fragments, contaminated soil and wash water from moving downstream.

Keep fuels, herbicides, concrete and fire-related contaminants away from the waterway.

• Use weed-free soil, mulch and plant material.
• Clean and disinfect tools and machinery between waterways.
• Inspect for new weeds, algal growth, sediment slugs, pollution and altered flows.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Breeding and refuge features

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or roost structures for this fish. They do not replace the aquatic habitat used by the Hunter galaxias.

Only install artificial spawning, shelter or refuge features where an aquatic specialist and the relevant authority have confirmed that the design suits the species and will not favour trout or other introduced animals.

Prioritise natural recovery of clean, connected stream habitat over artificial structures.

• Trial any approved habitat feature at a contained site with clear performance measures.
• Use materials that will not leach toxins, trap fish or obstruct flow.
• Inspect features for stability, sediment accumulation and trout access.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term management

Manage the catchment for drought, fire, extreme heat, severe storms, sedimentation and toxic fire suppression impacts. Protect known refuge reaches and maintain effective trout barriers where approved.

Coordinate with landholders, fire managers, waterway managers and conservation agencies across the connected catchment.

Use targeted trout surveillance and removal where authorised and where resources permit.

• Keep a current map of occupied habitat, barriers, threats and rehabilitation areas.
• Review fire planning so retardants and sediment do not enter occupied streams.
• Maintain public and contractor awareness of the species and the need to prevent aquatic disease, weeds and fish transfers.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Rehabilitation monitoring

Monitor survival of plantings, bank stability, flow, water quality, habitat cover, sediment and fish presence for the period set by the approval.

Use repeat aquatic surveys where the work affected known or suspected habitat. Compare results with baseline records and investigate declining detections or new trout records.

Adapt rehabilitation when monitoring shows unstable banks, poor water quality, loss of refuge habitat or increased predator access.

• Record maintenance actions, rainfall and flow conditions with each monitoring visit.
• Replace failed erosion controls and plants promptly.
• Close the rehabilitation action only when the responsible ecologist and approval authority agree that the site is stable and residual risks are controlled.

Sources

• Australian freshwater fish in imminent risk of extinction, nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au: https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/uvabdkg5/2-1-big-trouble-for-little-fish.pdf
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/