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Swan Galaxias (Galaxias fontanus)

The Swan galaxias is a small freshwater fish endemic to eastern Tasmania. It survives in isolated headwater streams and is highly sensitive to introduced fish, altered stream flows, poor water quality and loss of riparian or in-stream cover, so works near suitable streams require careful habitat assessment and controls on sediment, flow and fish movement.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Endangered.

Tasmania, Threatened Species Protection Act 1995: Endangered.

Breeding season

The supplied sources give different breeding seasons. The calendar below marks the reported April to May breeding period and the spring period reported by the Tasmanian listing statement, with a conservative clearing risk across both reported breeding windows and the documented larval period.

Months are January to December. Timing may vary between catchments. Survey and construction timing must also account for the risk of habitat damage, sediment release, altered flow and introduced fish movement outside the breeding period.

  • Breeding, reported April to May: One species account reports breeding in April and May, with adhesive eggs laid in shallow flowing water.
  • Breeding, reported spring: The Tasmanian listing statement reports spawning in spring within normal adult habitat.
  • Young and larvae: Larval development lasts at least five weeks. Larvae use shallow, slow-flowing water before developing adult colouration and moving into faster headwater habitat as juveniles.
  • Movement and dispersal: The species is not known to undertake a marine migration. Larvae may drift downstream into still pools, and juveniles later move towards faster-flowing headwaters.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest during the reported April to May breeding period and the following larval period, and remains elevated during the spring breeding period and early larval development. Exact timing should be confirmed locally because the supplied sources disagree on breeding season.

Identification

Swan galaxias are small, slender galaxiid fish found in narrow freshwater streams. Identification should be undertaken by an experienced freshwater fish ecologist because several Tasmanian galaxiids can occur in similar stream habitats.

The body is slender and semi-transparent, with colour ranging from dark olive-green on the back to grey-white on the underside. Pale brown speckling on the sides and back can form irregular bars and patches.

The head is broad and somewhat flattened. The dorsal fin begins above the vent, the tail fin is slightly forked, and the pectoral fins are relatively small and extend less than halfway towards the pelvic fins. The fins are unmarked.

Maximum length: About 13 cm, with one source reporting 13.5 cm.

Body colour: Dark olive-green dorsally, grey-white below, with pale brown speckling or irregular bars and patches.

Identification: Distinguishing from similar fish

The species is a freshwater galaxiid and does not have a marine migratory stage. It may be confused with other small galaxiids in Tasmania, including the common jollytail, Galaxias maculatus, where their ranges or translocated populations overlap.

The supplied sources do not provide a full diagnostic key for separating Swan galaxias from every similar galaxiid. Confirm identification using the combination of locality, head and fin characters, body pattern and specialist advice. Do not rely on colour alone, particularly in turbid water or after capture.

  • Treat an unidentified small galaxiid from a suitable eastern Tasmanian headwater as potentially significant until an experienced fish ecologist confirms its identity.
  • Record the precise stream location, habitat, photographs and capture method, and release fish as soon as practicable under the relevant permit and animal ethics requirements.

Identification: Field detection

There are no useful tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or other terrestrial signs for this species. Presence is normally established through targeted freshwater fish surveys.

Electrofishing provides more quantitative estimates for galaxiids. Small scoop nets are generally less harmful to individual fish, while small plastic traps can have low catch rates. Day sampling has commonly been used, but night sampling may detect more active galaxiids in some circumstances.

  • Use only appropriately authorised survey methods and personnel.
  • Map all permanent and seasonal streams, pools, barriers, culverts and downstream connections before works begin.
  • Avoid treating non-detection from one method or one visit as proof of absence.

Distribution: National range

The Swan galaxias occurs only in Tasmania, within the Swan River and upper Macquarie River catchments of eastern Tasmania. Its natural range is now confined to short, isolated sections of headwater streams, with additional translocated populations established for conservation.

The species is endemic to Tasmania and has no mainland Australian population. Natural records are from the headwaters of the Swan River and tributaries of the upper Macquarie River in eastern Tasmania.

The species is associated with narrow freshwater stream sections above barriers that exclude brown trout and other introduced fish. It does not occur in marine or estuarine habitat.

Australian states: Tasmania only.

Catchments: Swan River and upper Macquarie River catchments.

Bioregion: The supplied documents do not name an Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia bioregion.

Distribution: Strongholds and subpopulations

Natural populations are known from the Upper Swan River, Blue Tier Creek and Tater Garden Creek. The Tasmanian listing statement identifies these as the remaining natural distribution at the time of that statement.

Listed translocated sites include Green Tier Creek, Rocka Rivulet, Coghlan Creek, Upper Blue Tier Creek, Tullochgorum Creek, St Pauls River, Dukes River, Cygnet River and Lost Falls Creek. Population status can change, so site records should be checked with the relevant Tasmanian authority before works.

Natural populations: Three populations are described in the Tasmanian listing statement. Another source records nine isolated natural populations occupying about 11 km of stream.

Translocated populations: Nine established populations are reported in one source. The Tasmanian listing statement reports nine established breeding populations after ten translocation attempts.

Distribution: Trend and fragmentation

The species has suffered severe declines and local extinctions following the spread of brown trout and redfin perch. Its distribution is severely fragmented, and natural populations remain isolated from one another.

Translocations have established additional populations in fish-free streams, but their long-term viability varies and requires continued monitoring.

Historical loss: Two natural populations are reported to have become extinct after introduced fish spread into their habitat.

Natural range in the Tasmanian listing statement: Less than 8 km of narrow stream.

Habitat: Stream habitat

Swan galaxias occupy small, permanent freshwater headwater streams that are free of brown trout. Habitat quality depends on suitable flow, rocky or gravelly substrate, intact streamside vegetation and cover within the channel.

Preferred habitat is shallow, clear, cool freshwater in small streams and creeks. Flow can be slow to moderately fast, and stream beds are generally rocky or gravelly.

Streams contain abundant in-stream shelter and streamside vegetation. Woody debris, submerged vegetation, shallow pools and protected margins provide cover.

Water type: Freshwater only, with no marine migratory stage.

Depth range: Reported as 0 to 3 m, although occupied headwater habitat is generally shallow.

Habitat: Hydrology and vegetation

The species needs continuing stream flow and the ability to move along the stream. Dams, flow alteration, drought, floods and vegetation clearing can reduce habitat quality or disrupt connections between suitable areas.

Riparian vegetation helps maintain water quality, shade and in-stream cover. Forestry and other ground disturbance upstream can increase the risk of sedimentation and altered runoff.

  • Maintain streamside vegetation and avoid sediment entering occupied or connected streams.
  • Protect natural and constructed barriers that prevent introduced fish from moving upstream, unless an authorised conservation action requires otherwise.
  • Assess dams, crossings, diversions and temporary waterway works for effects on flow, fish passage and downstream water quality.

Habitat: Elevation and climate limits

The supplied documents do not provide a reliable elevation range. The species is restricted to eastern Tasmanian headwaters and is affected by drought, floods, changing flow characteristics and possible climate change.

Foraging habitat: Diet

Swan galaxias feed within shallow stream habitat and take prey from both the water column and stream margins. They are opportunistic rather than dependent on one food plant or prey species.

The diet includes a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, insect larvae and crustaceans. Reported prey groups include midges, mayflies and caddisflies.

Feeding type: Opportunistic carnivore.

Recorded food: Land and aquatic insects, insect larvae and crustaceans, including midges, mayflies and caddisflies.

  • Retain riparian vegetation and woody debris that support terrestrial prey and provide feeding cover.
  • Prevent sediment, contaminated runoff and altered flows from reducing aquatic invertebrate habitat.

Foraging habitat: Foraging area

The sources do not quantify an individual home range or daily foraging distance. Fish forage within their occupied stream sections, which are short and isolated in the remaining natural populations.

Larvae use shallow, slow-flowing water and later move into faster-flowing headwater habitat as juveniles, according to the supplied species account.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs within the species' normal freshwater stream habitat. Shallow flowing water, submerged vegetation, roots, leaf litter and protected margins provide the reported spawning and early-life habitat.

The Tasmanian listing statement reports spring spawning within the normal adult habitat. Another species account reports breeding in April and May, so the timing evidence in the supplied documents is not consistent. Larval development lasts at least five weeks.

Females deposit adhesive eggs among submerged vegetation, roots or leaf litter in shallow flowing water according to the supplied species account. Newly hatched larvae use shallow, slow-flowing water and may form small schools.

Breeding season: Spring is reported in the Tasmanian listing statement. April to May is reported in another species account, indicating that breeding timing may vary or that the sources use different seasonal descriptions.

Eggs or clutch size: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Incubation or larval period: Larval development lasts at least five weeks.

Age at maturity: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Lifespan: A separate species account reports a short lifespan of 2 to 3 years, with most fish breeding once.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Suitable breeding habitat includes shallow flowing water within small streams, submerged vegetation, roots, leaf litter, rocky or gravelly beds and nearby cover. Larvae require shallow, slow-flowing water after hatching.

Works that remove streamside vegetation, disturb the bed, reduce flow or introduce sediment can affect eggs, larvae and juvenile habitat.

  • Inspect shallow margins, leaf litter, root mats, submerged vegetation and slow-flowing pools before works near occupied streams.
  • Keep machinery, spoil, fuels and concrete washout away from drainage lines and stream margins.
  • Schedule in-stream works only after species-specific advice and all required approvals have been obtained.

Sheltering habitat: Cover in the stream

Shelter is provided by the physical structure of small headwater streams rather than by terrestrial dens or hollows. The species depends on cover within the channel and along the stream edge.

Occupied streams generally have rocky bottoms, gravelly or pebbly areas, woody debris, submerged vegetation and shallow margins. These features provide refuge from flow and predators.

The species is a poor swimmer and is vulnerable to displacement or exclusion by stronger introduced fish, particularly trout.

Known shelter types: In-stream vegetation, woody debris, rocky or gravelly beds, shallow margins and streamside vegetation.

  • Retain woody debris, undercut margins, rocks, leaf litter and streamside vegetation where they do not create a separate safety or flood-management requirement.
  • Do not remove or relocate in-stream cover without ecological assessment and approval.

Sheltering habitat: Barriers and refuge streams

Natural barriers such as waterfalls, steep cascades and shallow marshes have limited upstream movement by brown trout and helped protect Swan galaxias populations. Artificial barriers have also been improved as part of conservation programs.

All natural populations are limited to stream sections free from brown trout. A barrier can therefore function as a refuge, but its integrity must be monitored.

  • Do not breach, bypass or weaken fish exclusion barriers without specialist approval.
  • Assess temporary crossings, culverts and waterway diversions for the risk of allowing trout, redfin perch or other fish to enter refuge habitat.
  • Report any introduced fish detected upstream of a known barrier to the relevant Tasmanian authority.

Sheltering habitat: Terrestrial refuges

The species does not use nests, burrows, tree hollows, roosts or terrestrial dens. Eggs and larvae remain in shallow stream habitat.

Threats: Introduced fish

The main threat is predation and competition from introduced fish, especially brown trout and redfin perch. Construction and clearing can increase this threat by damaging barriers, changing flows, degrading water quality or connecting refuge streams to invaded waters.

Brown trout and redfin perch prey on Swan galaxias and compete for food and habitat. Swan galaxias do not coexist with brown trout, and natural populations are restricted to stream sections above barriers that exclude trout.

The native common jollytail, Galaxias maculatus, has also been identified as a potential local competitor where it has been introduced outside its natural distribution.

  • Prevent the release, transfer or escape of live fish into occupied or connected waters.
  • Inspect waterway equipment and follow approved fish hygiene and decontamination procedures between catchments.
  • Protect barriers that exclude introduced fish and seek specialist advice before altering them.

Threats: Clearing, sediment and water quality

Clearing and forestry activities within or upstream of the range can affect water quality, riparian cover and stream sedimentation. Dams and other infrastructure can inundate habitat, alter flow regimes, remove barriers or facilitate introduced fish movement.

Floods, drought and changes in streamside vegetation can also change habitat conditions.

  • Keep riparian disturbance to the minimum needed for the approved works.
  • Use sediment and erosion controls before soil disturbance begins, and maintain them until the site is stable.
  • Prevent turbid runoff, chemicals, concrete washout and other pollutants from entering streams.
  • Maintain natural flow where practicable and assess any temporary or permanent diversion before construction.

Threats: Fragmentation and catastrophic events

Populations are isolated from one another and occupy short sections of stream. This fragmentation increases the risk from local disturbances and may reduce genetic diversity.

Drought, floods, bushfire, landslides and climate change are identified or discussed as risks to small isolated populations.

  • Map upstream and downstream connections, barriers and potential refuge sections before clearing or earthworks.
  • Plan emergency response measures for sediment release, fish kills, barrier failure and accidental fish transfer.
  • Retain habitat continuity within each occupied stream section.

Threats: Disease and roads

The supplied documents do not identify a species-specific disease threat. They also do not identify roads as a direct species-specific threat, but road crossings and construction access can affect flow, sediment, riparian vegetation and fish passage.

  • Treat road, bridge, culvert and temporary crossing works as potential waterway impacts and assess them accordingly.
  • Use clean equipment between waterways to reduce the risk of transferring fish, pathogens or contaminated water.

Survey methodology: 1. Map potential habitat and connected reaches

Swan galaxias occur in shallow freshwater headwaters and small tributaries in eastern Tasmania, including the Swan and upper Macquarie River catchments. Surveys must cover the project area and any connected upstream or downstream habitat that could be affected by changed flows, sediment, barriers or introduced fish.

Map all permanent and seasonal streams, headwaters, tributaries, pools, rocky beds, streamside vegetation, woody debris and barriers within and downstream of the project area.

Treat narrow, shallow, rocky streams with abundant instream and streamside cover as potential habitat, including reaches where the species has been translocated.

Record whether the reach is connected to known or potential Swan galaxias habitat and whether brown trout or redfin perch are present or could gain access after the works.

Survey methodology: 2. Sample with electrofishing and scoop nets

Use electrofishing for quantitative sampling where the method is safe and authorised, and use small scoop nets where lower handling risk is preferred.

Sample representative habitat units, including shallow flowing water, pools, rocky margins, woody debris and areas with dense streamside or instream vegetation.

Use small plastic traps only as supplementary gear because the survey guidelines report that they often have a low catch rate.

Have appropriately trained and authorised personnel identify, measure and release fish, and follow approved animal ethics, biosecurity and electrical safety procedures.

Survey methodology: 3. Select timing and survey conditions

Daylight sampling can make identification and release easier, but consider night sampling where a quantitative assessment is required because galaxiids may be more active and closer to shore at night.

For Tasmanian galaxiids that are not migratory within freshwater, the survey guidelines state that time of year is generally not important, although sampling numbers may increase during spawning periods in autumn and early winter for some Tasmanian galaxiids.

Do not sample during unsafe flows, flooding or conditions that could cause electrofishing injury, excessive sediment disturbance or unsafe access.

Record date, start and finish time, weather, flow, water level, water quality, reach length, habitat sampled, gear, operator effort and all fish detected.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use enough sampling coverage to represent all accessible habitat units and any areas that will be cleared, dewatered, crossed or altered, because the supplied documents do not prescribe a species-specific number of nights, trap nights, transect length or electrofishing duration for Swan galaxias.
  • Repeat or extend sampling where habitat is difficult to access, water levels reduce detection, introduced fish are detected, or the first survey does not establish whether Swan galaxias are present.
  • Do not rely on a single negative survey to clear habitat without considering connected upstream and downstream reaches, translocated populations and the limitations of the selected gear.
  • Keep location records suitable for mapping, including coordinates, catchment, stream name, reach limits, survey method and evidence supporting presence or absence.
  • Submit confirmed records and survey results to the relevant Tasmanian wildlife or biodiversity database, and provide records to the project approval authority where required.
  • Report any detection, injury, mortality, introduced fish or suspected new population promptly to the relevant Tasmanian wildlife and fisheries authorities.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Plan the project around the species' dependence on small, fish-free headwater streams. The main risks are predation and competition from brown trout and redfin perch, loss of flow and cover, sedimentation, barriers and accidental introduction of fish.

  • Retain all known and potential Swan galaxias streams, headwaters, tributaries, rocky beds, streamside vegetation, instream cover and woody debris wherever practicable.
  • Avoid changes to natural flow, stream crossings, dams, water storage infrastructure and barriers that could inundate habitat, restrict fish movement or allow introduced fish to move upstream.
  • Maintain connectivity between retained reaches and avoid isolating populations from one another, while retaining natural or managed barriers that exclude brown trout and redfin perch.
  • Set project-specific no-go areas and buffers around occupied or potential habitat in consultation with the relevant Tasmanian authority, because the supplied documents do not specify a standard buffer distance.

Before habitat disturbance: Confirm approvals and responsibilities

  • Check whether the action is likely to significantly affect this EPBC Act Endangered species and obtain any required Australian Government approval before starting works.
  • Confirm Tasmanian permits and authorisations before collecting, possessing, handling, disturbing, relocating or releasing Swan galaxias, because disturbance or possession without a permit is an offence under the Tasmanian listing statement.
  • Confirm permissions for electrofishing, fish removal, dewatering, stream alteration, water discharge, vegetation removal and work in or near waterways.
  • Nominate the project ecologist, fauna spotter catcher, aquatic specialist and approving authorities in the fauna management plan.

Before habitat disturbance: Plan staging and site controls

  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies occupied and potential habitat, survey methods, authorised handlers, stop-work triggers, fish exclusion and rescue procedures, hygiene controls, incident reporting and rehabilitation requirements.
  • Schedule works to avoid high flows, flooding and drought conditions where those conditions could increase mortality or prevent safe survey and rescue.
  • Stage works so that retained fish-free refuge reaches remain connected and available before any habitat is isolated, dewatered or disturbed.
  • Prevent all movement of live fish, water, sediment, mud, equipment and bait between waterways unless the movement is authorised and biosecurity controls are in place.

Before habitat disturbance: Prepare the work area

  • Complete a pre-clearance aquatic survey of all streams and connected habitat that could be affected directly or indirectly.
  • Mark no-go areas, streamside vegetation, woody debris, rocky cover, barriers, known populations and access routes before machinery enters the site.
  • Install exclusion fencing or equivalent controls where they can keep machinery, people, spoil and runoff out of retained habitat, and inspect the controls before each shift.
  • Brief all workers on the species' appearance, habitat, legal status, hygiene requirements, reporting contacts and the instruction not to release or introduce fish.

During habitat disturbance: Daily work controls

Keep works out of retained headwater habitat and manage any interaction with fish through the authorised aquatic specialist or fauna spotter catcher. Stop work when the approved controls cannot prevent harm or when a Swan galaxias or introduced fish is detected in a work area.

  • Inspect exclusion fencing, stream diversions, sediment controls, fish barriers, pumps and access routes before work starts and after rain or flow changes.
  • Keep machinery, spoil, concrete, fuel, chemicals, wash water and dirty equipment out of streams and streamside vegetation.
  • Use clean, dry or appropriately disinfected equipment between waterways and do not transfer fish, water, sediment or aquatic plants between catchments.
  • Maintain natural or approved environmental flows through retained habitat and prevent sudden drawdown, dewatering or discharge of turbid water.
  • Do not remove, alter or bypass a natural or constructed barrier that protects Swan galaxias from brown trout or redfin perch unless the action is approved and managed by the relevant authority.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna spotter catcher and machinery protocol

  • The fauna spotter catcher must inspect the work area and any isolated water before machinery starts, remain in communication with the operator and control the work face in accordance with the fauna management plan.
  • Stop machinery before an aquatic rescue, dewatering inspection, stream crossing or relocation, and restart only when the authorised aquatic specialist has released the area.
  • Use an aquatic specialist trained in threatened galaxiid identification and fish handling for electrofishing, netting, dewatering and relocation activities.
  • Do not allow untrained workers to capture, retain, transport, photograph for extended periods, release or otherwise handle a Swan galaxias.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat and animal handling

  • Inspect shallow pools, rocky margins, woody debris, streamside vegetation and isolated water before moving rocks, logs, pumps or sediment from a work area.
  • Where approved, capture fish with the least harmful suitable method, keep handling time short, maintain water quality and temperature, and release them only into nearby retained habitat approved by the relevant authority.
  • Do not move a Swan galaxias across a barrier, into a waterway containing brown trout or redfin perch, or into habitat outside the approved relocation area.
  • If an injured fish is found, keep it in suitable clean water and contact the authorised wildlife or fisheries authority immediately for instructions; do not take it to a vet or wildlife carer unless that service is authorised and equipped for native freshwater fish.
  • If a dead fish is found, photograph it in place where practicable, retain it only under authorisation, record its location and notify the project ecologist and relevant authority.

During habitat disturbance: Stop work and record incidents

  • Stop work immediately if a Swan galaxias is detected in the active work area, if fish are trapped by dewatering or barriers, or if approved exclusion, flow, sediment or biosecurity controls fail.
  • Stop work if brown trout, redfin perch or another introduced fish is detected in or near occupied habitat, and obtain advice before continuing.
  • Record every detection, capture, relocation, injury, mortality, introduced fish record, control failure, weather event and corrective action with date, time, coordinates, reach, photographs and personnel.
  • Notify the project ecologist and relevant approval and wildlife authorities before restarting work where a stop-work trigger has occurred.

After habitat disturbance: Complete post-work checks

Completion does not end the risk. Check that disturbed reaches remain suitable, that barriers and flow controls work as approved, and that no introduced fish or new fragmentation has resulted from the project.

  • Inspect all disturbed and downstream reaches for fish strandings, sediment deposition, altered flow, damaged streamside vegetation, blocked passage, new barriers and fish access routes.
  • Carry out a post-clearance aquatic survey where habitat was dewatered, crossed, inundated, isolated or otherwise disturbed, using the authorised methods in the fauna management plan.
  • Remove temporary infrastructure, spoil and waste without damaging retained stream habitat, and confirm that approved flow paths and fish exclusion barriers remain functional.
  • Repair failed erosion, sediment, fencing, crossing or biosecurity controls immediately.

After habitat disturbance: Monitor retained and restored habitat

  • Monitor known and translocated populations at the frequency and duration approved for the project, including population presence, abundance or size structure where the method permits.
  • Monitor water quality, flow, streamside vegetation, instream cover, woody debris, barrier condition and the presence of brown trout, redfin perch or other introduced fish.
  • Compare post-work results with pre-work survey records and investigate any decline, local absence, habitat drying or new fragmentation.

After habitat disturbance: Report and maintain obligations

  • Submit monitoring data, confirmed records, incidents, mitigation outcomes and rehabilitation results to the relevant approval authority and Tasmanian biodiversity or wildlife database.
  • Maintain exclusion fencing, fish barriers, sediment controls, weed controls and access restrictions until the responsible ecologist and approving authority confirm that they are no longer needed.
  • Implement any required corrective action, offset or conservation measure under the project approval, noting that the species' recovery depends on protecting both natural and translocated populations.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore stream habitat and riparian cover

Rehabilitation must restore the features that support Swan galaxias in small, fish-free streams. Prioritise flow, clean water, streamside cover, instream shelter and protection from introduced fish rather than treating revegetation alone as completion.

  • Reinstate stable shallow stream channels, rocky beds, pools, natural flow paths and streamside vegetation using locally appropriate Tasmanian species and methods approved for the catchment.
  • Retain or replace woody debris and other instream shelter where it has been removed, without creating barriers that prevent fish movement or allow introduced fish to enter occupied habitat.
  • Control sediment, erosion, weeds and polluted runoff so that water remains suitable for a freshwater fish that uses clear, shallow streams with rocky beds and abundant cover.
  • Do not plant, stock or introduce fish, aquatic plants or other organisms into the stream unless the action is authorised.

Rehabilitation actions: Protect fish-free habitat and barriers

  • Maintain natural or approved artificial barriers that prevent brown trout and redfin perch from reaching Swan galaxias habitat.
  • Inspect barriers after floods, droughts, maintenance and construction, and repair damage before introduced fish can pass upstream.
  • Remove introduced fish only under an approved program led by the relevant fisheries authority or suitably authorised specialists.
  • Manage forestry, access and maintenance activities in the catchment to protect water quality, streamside vegetation, instream habitat and natural hydrological regimes.

Rehabilitation actions: Set success measures and monitor

  • Define success as stable or improving Swan galaxias presence or population measures, no project-caused reduction in range, maintained flow and cover, stable water quality, and no new brown trout or redfin perch invasion.
  • Monitor restored reaches and nearby natural or translocated populations using consistent methods, locations and effort so that results can be compared over time.
  • Continue monitoring until revegetation, channel stability, flow, barrier function and fish exclusion meet the approval conditions and the responsible ecologist confirms that the site is stable.
  • Record rehabilitation methods, plantings, habitat features, monitoring results, corrective actions and any species detections in the project close-out report and relevant state database.

Sources