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West Gippsland Galaxias (Galaxias longifundus)

The West Gippsland galaxias is a small, non-migratory freshwater fish known from the headwaters of Rintoul Creek East Branch in West Gippsland, Victoria. It occupies shallow, gently flowing mountain creek habitat and is highly sensitive to introduced trout, sedimentation, drought, fire and changes to stream condition, so works near suitable headwaters require strong sediment and aquatic habitat controls.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Victoria, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

The annual cycle is based on limited observations and related mountain galaxias biology. The species is non-migratory, and the timing of spawning has not been confirmed in detail.

For project planning, treat occupied and potential habitat as sensitive throughout the year. Sediment, dewatering, bed disturbance and trout access can harm the population outside the breeding period as well.

  • Breeding: Spawning is thought to occur in spring, with possible spawning in October. Eggs of this species are adhesive and demersal, and related mountain galaxias attach eggs beneath rocks in riffles.
  • Eggs and larvae: Possible October spawning would place hatching in late November after approximately 26 to 30 days. Larvae are approximately 8 mm at hatching.
  • Young fish: Approximately 50 percent of fish collected in early December were 0+ age and measured 28 to 38 mm length to caudal fin, suggesting recruitment from the previous spawning season.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest during the likely spring spawning period and the following egg, larval and early recruitment period. This timing is based on the proposed October spawning and late November hatching, not on a complete seasonal study.

Identification

The West Gippsland galaxias is a small, elongated, scaleless galaxiid with long soft-rayed fins. Identification in the field should be confirmed by an experienced freshwater fish specialist, particularly where other Galaxias species occur in the wider La Trobe River system.

The body is tubular and predominantly olive-brown on the back and upper sides, becoming light brown on the lower sides and cream underneath. Small to medium diffuse dark-brown to black spots and blotches may coalesce into irregular bars, with a thin row of gold to copper flecks. The head and snout are small, the mouth is large, the eyes are golden, and the fins are long, translucent and olive-grey.

Typical size: 65 to 80 mm length to caudal fin

Maximum recorded size: 97 mm length to caudal fin and 11 g

Identification: Diagnostic features

The most useful diagnostic feature is the relatively long dorsal and anal fin bases compared with other members of the former Galaxias olidus complex. FishBase also describes distinctive long caudal peduncle flanges extending onto the outer caudal fin rays, an emarginate to almost truncate caudal fin, and usually 10 segmented anal fin rays.

It usually lacks black bars along the lateral line. Other diagnostic measurements include a dorsal fin base of 11.2 to 12.4 percent of standard length and an anal fin base of 10.6 to 12.1 percent of standard length.

  • Do not rely on colour pattern alone, because colour can vary with age and stream conditions.
  • Use close examination of the dorsal and anal fin bases and the caudal peduncle when distinguishing this species from other mountain galaxias.
  • Record photographs and preserve identification details in accordance with the relevant Victorian permit and animal ethics requirements.

Identification: Field signs and handling

There are no documented diagnostic tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or eyeshine for this fish. Presence is normally established by targeted aquatic sampling, such as electrofishing, rather than by passive signs.

The species has been captured mainly among cobbles, pebbles and small to medium timber debris in very shallow, gently flowing riffles. Fine sediment covering these features can reduce capture and breeding habitat quality, so an absence from a disturbed reach should not be treated as proof that the species is absent.

  • Treat suitable headwater creek habitat as potential habitat until an appropriately designed survey has assessed it.
  • Avoid entering the creek, disturbing the bed or moving woody debris unless the activity is authorised and covered by the project aquatic fauna procedures.

Distribution: National and state range

The species is endemic to Victoria and has an extremely restricted known range in West Gippsland. It is currently known from one subpopulation in the Rintoul Creek East Branch headwaters.

The West Gippsland galaxias is known only from Victoria, in the La Trobe River Basin and the Mitchell Thomson Rivers region of West Gippsland. Its known habitat is in the headwaters of Rintoul Creek East Branch, approximately 195 to 275 m above sea level.

More than 70 sites across streams in the Thomson and La Trobe River catchments have been surveyed without recording the species elsewhere. Historical records indicate that it formerly occurred in the lower La Trobe River catchment, including Jeeralong Creek in 1918, and may have occurred further upstream from Traralgon.

Australian states: Victoria only

Bioregional setting: West Gippsland, La Trobe River Basin, Mitchell Thomson Rivers region

Known elevation: Approximately 195 to 275 m above sea level

Known subpopulations: One, in Rintoul Creek East Branch

Known sites: Three sites near R7 Track, C12 Track and R10 Track

Distribution: Known stronghold and population trend

The only confirmed current stronghold is the occupied section of Rintoul Creek East Branch, between approximately 4 and 8 km river distance from the source. The species was not recorded further downstream near R15 Track, in a side tributary, in the Rintoul Creek West Branch or near W4 Track during the surveys reported in the assessment.

A natural waterfall below the occupied area currently prevents brown trout from entering the known population area. The population remains vulnerable because it is small, isolated and confined to one creek branch.

Reported density in 2002: 0.27 fish per square metre

Reported density in 2012: 0.004 to 0.01 fish per square metre

Reported decline: Approximately 97 percent between 2002 and 2012

Mature population size: Not stated as a reliable total in the supplied documents

Distribution: Unconfirmed records and recovery sites

A 1974 observation of Galaxias sp. in the Tanjil River East Branch near Mount Baw Baw was not confirmed by later sampling, and its identity remains unknown. Historical records from Jeeralang Creek and nearby rivers also warrant further survey in less accessible headwater reaches.

A captive breeding trial produced approximately 950 larvae in 2014, and 73 fish were released into Rintoul Creek in October 2014. The status of those released fish is unclear. In 2026, hatchery-bred fish were released into a tributary of the Tyers River as part of a Victorian recovery program.

  • Do not treat unconfirmed Galaxias observations as confirmed West Gippsland galaxias records without taxonomic verification.
  • Refer proposed works near Rintoul Creek, possible historical habitat or recovery release sites to the relevant Victorian conservation authorities before disturbance.

Habitat: Stream form and substrate

The species occupies small, shallow, moderately shaded headwater streams in forested catchments. The known occupied creek is gently flowing and consists mainly of pools with smaller areas of shallow riffle.

Rintoul Creek at occupied sites averages approximately 2.0 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. The stream bed is mainly boulder, cobble and pebble, with smaller amounts of gravel, sand and clay.

Pools are important components of the occupied stream, while shallow riffles provide documented capture habitat and may provide spawning substrate. Instream cover includes rocks, logs, branches and overhanging vegetation.

Average channel width: Approximately 2.0 m

Average channel depth: Approximately 0.5 m

Recorded elevation range: Approximately 195 to 275 m above sea level

Flow type: Gently flowing, with pools and smaller shallow riffle areas

  • Maintain natural flows and avoid placing fill, spoil, concrete washout, sediment or construction debris where it can enter the creek.
  • Retain stable cobble, pebble, boulder, timber and overhanging vegetation wherever practicable.
  • Use sediment controls that remain effective during rainfall and high flows, because fine sediment has previously blanketed the bed and banks in occupied habitat.

Habitat: Vegetation and catchment setting

The known stream is moderately shaded and lies within a steep, forested headwater catchment. The supplied documents do not identify a formal threatened vegetation community for occupied habitat.

Shade from riparian and adjacent vegetation helps maintain the cool, flowing conditions associated with the known habitat. Fire, drought and catchment disturbance can alter shade, water temperature, runoff and sediment delivery.

  • Keep clearing, machinery access and spoil storage outside the riparian zone wherever practicable.
  • If vegetation must be removed, plan the work to retain stream shading, bank stability and woody cover, and prevent disturbed soil from reaching the channel.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding areas

The diet of the West Gippsland galaxias has not been directly reported. It is expected to feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in and around shallow headwater stream habitats.

The species is likely to be a macroinsectivore, taking benthic, drifting and terrestrial invertebrates. Potential prey for related mountain galaxias include insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and spiders.

Individuals have been captured in very shallow, gently flowing riffles among cobbles, pebbles and small to medium timber debris. These areas are likely to provide feeding surfaces, flow-borne prey and cover.

Diet: Not directly reported; likely benthic, drifting and terrestrial invertebrates

Likely prey groups: Insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and spiders

Documented feeding habitat: Very shallow, gently flowing riffles with cobbles, pebbles and timber debris

Foraging range: Not documented; the species is non-migratory

  • Prevent fine sediment from smothering cobbles, pebbles, timber and other surfaces that support aquatic invertebrates.
  • Avoid activities that create prolonged turbidity or alter shallow riffle flows.
  • Retain riparian vegetation and overhanging plants that can supply terrestrial invertebrates and shade the channel.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding details are incomplete, but available observations indicate spring spawning in shallow stream habitat. Fine sediment, drought stress and loss of suitable riffle substrate can reduce recruitment.

Spawning has not been directly documented in the wild. It is thought to occur in spring, with observations of 0+ fish in early December suggesting spawning in October and hatching in late November. Other mountain galaxias have low fecundity and attach sticky eggs to the underside of rocks in riffles.

West Gippsland galaxias eggs are approximately 2 mm in diameter, adhesive and demersal. They hatch after approximately 26 to 30 days, and larvae are approximately 8 mm long at hatching and 11 mm one month later.

Breeding season: Thought to be spring, with possible spawning in October

Clutch or litter size: Unknown for this species; related mountain galaxias generally have fewer than 400 eggs annually

Egg size: Approximately 2 mm diameter

Incubation: Approximately 26 to 30 days

Hatching and early growth: Larvae approximately 8 mm at hatching and 11 mm one month later

Age at maturity: Not stated in the supplied documents

Lifespan: Not stated; generation length is unknown but likely 2 to 4 years

  • Treat shallow riffles with clean cobble and pebble substrate as potential breeding habitat.
  • Avoid bed disturbance, dewatering, sediment release and rapid changes in flow during the likely spring spawning and early larval period.
  • Escalate any proposed work in or immediately upstream of occupied or potential habitat for aquatic fauna and threatened species review.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Related mountain galaxias attach eggs to the underside of rocks in riffles. For this species, the most relevant documented features are shallow, gently flowing riffles with cobble and pebble substrate, moderate shade and low fine sediment loading.

No recruitment was recorded from the 2011 spawning season in the 2012 survey, when the smallest fish collected was sexually mature. This was associated with sedimentation after fires and drought stress.

  • Keep clean interstitial spaces among cobbles and pebbles by controlling sediment at the source.
  • Prevent stock, vehicles and machinery from destabilising banks or disturbing the stream bed.
  • Maintain upstream catchment condition so rainfall does not deliver pulses of ash, sand, silt or organic debris into breeding reaches.

Sheltering habitat: Known cover

The species uses physical cover within shallow streams. Specific refuge dimensions and overwintering structures have not been documented.

Recorded fish have been captured among cobbles, pebbles and small to medium-sized timber debris on the stream bed. The wider habitat also contains boulders, logs, branches and vegetation overhang, which provide instream cover.

Galaxias species may burrow into substrate when surface water levels decline, but this behaviour has not been confirmed specifically for the West Gippsland galaxias.

Known refuge substrate: Cobbles, pebbles and small to medium timber debris

Other recorded cover: Boulders, logs, branches and bank or vegetation overhang

Refuge size: Not documented

Burrowing: Possible in declining surface water, based on Galaxias observations generally, but not confirmed for this species

  • Retain rocks, cobbles, stable woody debris and overhanging vegetation in the channel.
  • Do not remove or relocate instream timber or substrate during clearing, crossing construction or bank works unless authorised.
  • Keep temporary access tracks, pumps and crossing points out of occupied stream habitat where practicable.

Threats: Introduced trout

The species has one known subpopulation and a very small occupied area, so local disturbance can affect the whole known population. Threat controls should focus on keeping trout out, retaining flow and shade, and preventing sediment and other pollutants from entering headwater habitat.

Predation by introduced brown trout and rainbow trout is the main broad threat to threatened Victorian galaxiids. Brown trout occur in the main stem of Rintoul Creek below the occupied area, but a natural waterfall currently prevents their upstream movement.

A breach of the barrier or an unauthorised fish movement could expose the only known subpopulation to rapid decline or extinction.

  • Do not create or improve upstream fish passage for introduced trout through crossings, temporary barriers or channel works.
  • Inspect work sites and equipment for fish transfer risks, and follow approved aquatic hygiene and fish movement procedures.
  • Report any trout sighting above the known barrier to the relevant Victorian fisheries and conservation authorities.

Threats: Sediment, fire and catchment disturbance

Sedimentation following fires, poorly constructed track crossings and drought stress were linked to the severe density decline recorded between 2002 and 2012. Survey sites contained extensive silt and fine sand deposits on the stream bed and banks.

Sediment can cover cobble and pebble habitat, reduce breeding surfaces, affect aquatic invertebrate prey and alter shallow riffle conditions.

  • Use stable stream crossings and install sediment controls before earthworks begin.
  • Stage clearing and construction to minimise exposed soil and inspect controls after rainfall.
  • Keep spoil, fuels, concrete, wash water and other pollutants away from drainage lines and headwater channels.
  • Rehabilitate disturbed banks promptly with methods suited to the local stream and riparian vegetation.

Threats: Flow, drought and climate pressure

The species is confined to small headwater streams and may be affected when drought causes habitat to dry or reduces flow. Climate change is identified as a threat, along with fire and other habitat loss, disturbance and modification.

Changes to drainage, water extraction, culverts or construction dewatering can reduce wetted habitat or alter the shallow pool and riffle conditions used by the species.

  • Do not dewater occupied or potential habitat without an approved aquatic fauna management plan and specialist advice.
  • Maintain natural low flows and prevent rapid changes in water level caused by pumping, diversions or poorly designed drainage.
  • Assess upstream and downstream effects of culverts, crossings, sediment basins and stormwater discharge before works commence.

Threats: Clearing, fragmentation and project disturbance

The species' current distribution is already highly restricted, and the known population is isolated above a natural barrier. Clearing of riparian vegetation, loss of woody cover, bank disturbance and construction-related sediment can degrade the small amount of habitat available.

The supplied documents do not identify road mortality or disease as specific recorded threats for this species. Roads and crossings remain relevant where they deliver sediment, alter flow, provide trout access or allow machinery to enter the channel.

  • Avoid clearing riparian vegetation and use existing access routes where practicable.
  • Design crossings to maintain fish passage for the native species while preventing upstream movement of trout.
  • Keep construction plant, refuelling and washdown areas outside the drainage network.
  • Arrange threatened species and aquatic fauna advice before works near Rintoul Creek East Branch or other potentially suitable West Gippsland headwater habitat.

Survey methodology: 1. Electrofishing in suitable stream habitat

The West Gippsland galaxias is a non migratory freshwater fish known from shallow headwater habitat in Rintoul Creek East Branch, Victoria. Survey work should focus on small, gently flowing streams, pools and shallow riffles with cobble, pebble, boulder, timber and overhanging vegetation.

Use experienced freshwater fish surveyors and backpack electrofishing equipment to search shallow pools, riffles, margins and instream cover.

Target habitat similar to the known sites: a moderately shaded creek about 2 m wide and 0.5 m deep, with shallow riffles generally less than 0.20 m deep, cobble, pebble, boulder and small amounts of timber debris.

Search all accessible habitat within the proposed disturbance area and upstream and downstream far enough to identify connected habitat and potential movement barriers.

Record the survey area, electrofishing time, water depth, flow, conductivity, water temperature, visibility, habitat type and all fish captured or observed.

Handle captured fish using the approved animal ethics and state fisheries procedures, and return them promptly to the point of capture unless an authorised translocation or holding procedure applies.

Known occupied elevation: Approximately 195 to 275 m above sea level

Known stream setting: Small, shallow, moderately shaded, gently flowing creek, averaging about 2 m wide and 0.5 m deep

Known microhabitat: Very shallow, gently flowing riffles, mainly among cobbles, pebbles and small to medium timber debris

Survey methodology: 2. Distribution and habitat search

Inspect the full length of any affected headwater channel, tributary, side channel, pool, riffle and wet refuge within the project footprint before works begin.

Extend searches beyond the footprint where access allows, because the species is restricted to a very small known area and has been recorded at three sites about 4, 6 and 8 km from the Rintoul Creek source.

Check for fish habitat beneath and around rocks, cobbles, pebbles, logs, branches, undercut banks and vegetation overhangs.

Treat apparently dry or highly reduced flows as potential habitat, because galaxias species may burrow into substrate when surface water declines.

Do not infer absence from a single unsuccessful visit, particularly where fire, drought or sediment has reduced detectability.

Known occupied subpopulation: One subpopulation in Rintoul Creek East Branch

Previous survey coverage: More than 70 sites in all streams, with no records elsewhere in the Thomson and La Trobe River catchments

Known downstream limit: The species was not recorded near R15 Track, about 12 km from the source, or at other surveyed downstream and tributary sites

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and survey conditions

Complete surveys before clearing, bank disturbance, in stream works or changes to flow, and repeat them if works are delayed after conditions change materially.

Give additional attention to spring and early summer recruitment habitat, because spawning is thought to occur in spring and young fish have been recorded in early December.

Avoid relying on surveys during conditions that make safe or effective electrofishing impractical, including unsafe flows, extreme turbidity or very low dissolved oxygen, and document any limitation.

Record recent fire, drought, sediment deposition, flow reduction and water temperature because these factors can affect habitat condition and detection.

No species specific survey guideline, night effort, trap night requirement or standard transect length is provided in the supplied documents, so the survey design should be agreed with the relevant state fisheries or threatened species authority.

Likely spawning period: Spring

Evidence of young fish: About 50 percent of individuals collected in early December were 0+ fish, suggesting possible October spawning and late November hatching

Generation length: Unknown for this species; estimated at 2 to 4 years from related mountain galaxias

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use an experienced freshwater fish survey team and search every suitable aquatic habitat within the disturbance area, including shallow riffles, pools, margins and instream cover.
  • Document the exact survey locations, dates, effort, equipment, conditions, habitat observations, fish measurements, photographs and any limitations on detection.
  • Obtain advice from the relevant Victorian fisheries and threatened species authority before relying on a negative result or disturbing occupied or potential habitat.
  • Submit confirmed records, negative survey results of conservation value and mapped habitat observations to the relevant Victorian wildlife or biodiversity database, and provide records to the project approval authority.
  • Retain voucher photographs and diagnostic information because the species was separated from the former Galaxias olidus complex through taxonomic revision.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Treat any suitable headwater stream habitat as potential West Gippsland galaxias habitat until a competent survey has addressed its presence. The known population is small, isolated and separated from trout by a natural waterfall, so minor works can affect habitat quality or introduce predators and sediment.

  • Redesign the project to avoid direct disturbance to shallow headwater channels, pools, riffles, banks and riparian shade.
  • Retain cobble, pebble and boulder beds, small logs, branches, overhanging vegetation and undercut banks that provide cover.
  • Keep the natural flow path, pool and riffle sequence, bed levels, bank form and downstream passage intact.
  • Maintain connectivity between occupied and suitable reaches, and do not create a pathway for brown trout or rainbow trout to move above a protecting waterfall or other barrier.
  • Prevent sediment, spoil, concrete washout, hydrocarbons and other pollutants from entering the stream or its tributaries.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and planning

  • Check whether the proposed action requires an EPBC Act referral because the species is listed as Critically Endangered nationally.
  • Obtain all Victorian permissions, fisheries approvals, wildlife authorisations and waterway works approvals that apply before survey, capture, handling, relocation or construction.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies the species, mapped aquatic habitat, survey results, exclusion and rescue procedures, qualified personnel, stop work triggers, incident contacts and reporting requirements.
  • Plan in stream works for a period that avoids spring spawning and the period when eggs, larvae and young fish may be present, subject to advice from the relevant authority.
  • Stage works so that retained habitat remains connected and fish rescue can occur before any isolation, dewatering or diversion.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre clearance preparation

  • Complete the aquatic fauna survey before machinery enters the work area and repeat it after significant flow, fire, sediment or design changes.
  • Mark no go areas, retained riparian vegetation, stream banks, riffles, pools, instream cover and any natural trout barrier on site plans and in the field.
  • Install sediment and erosion controls before ground disturbance, and inspect them after rain and high flows.
  • Use exclusion fencing only where it can be installed without damaging banks, beds or aquatic habitat, and keep machinery, stockpiles and vehicle crossings outside the retained buffer.
  • Brief all workers on the species, its identification, the location of habitat, hygiene requirements, stop work triggers and the fauna spotter catcher’s authority.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and machinery coordination

Works must prevent fish entry into isolated work areas, avoid sediment and flow impacts, and stop when an unexpected aquatic fauna risk is identified. The fauna spotter catcher should work as part of the site team, but only appropriately authorised personnel should capture, handle or relocate fish.

  • Inspect stream barriers, sediment controls, bypass flows, exclusion fencing and retained habitat before work starts each day and after rain or flow changes.
  • Keep machinery on designated access routes and out of the channel unless the approved method specifically requires entry.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher to check the work area immediately before machinery starts, during dewatering, when barriers move and whenever habitat is disturbed.
  • Stop machinery before it enters a flagged no go area, approaches a fish, damages a bank or bed, or threatens a natural trout barrier.
  • Use clean equipment between waterways and work areas to reduce transfer of pathogens, weeds and aquatic pests.

During habitat disturbance: Dewatering and habitat handling

  • Do not isolate, divert or dewater a channel until an authorised aquatic fauna rescue method has been approved and the area has been searched.
  • Move water progressively and retain a safe flow path to downstream habitat wherever practicable.
  • Inspect shallow riffles, pools, margins, cobbles, pebbles, rocks, logs, branches, bank cavities and deposited sediment as water levels fall.
  • Do not remove or bury instream cover unless it is within the approved disturbance footprint and the fauna management plan specifies how it will be replaced.
  • Keep excavated sediment, spoil, concrete, fuels and wash water away from the channel and prevent runoff during rain.

During habitat disturbance: If the fish is found

  • Stop the activity that could harm the fish and notify the site environmental officer and the authorised aquatic fauna handler.
  • Do not allow untrained workers to net, hold, identify, transport or release the fish.
  • Use only the capture, holding, identification and release methods approved by the relevant Victorian authority and animal ethics requirements.
  • If relocation is authorised, release the fish into nearby retained habitat with suitable flow, cover and water quality, at or near the capture location unless the approval specifies another site.
  • Do not move the fish outside its known range or across a catchment boundary without explicit approval.
  • Take a photograph where this can be done without added handling, and record the location, time, habitat, condition, actions taken and release point.
  • Send injured fish to an approved aquatic wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian, following the authority’s instructions.

During habitat disturbance: Stop work and incident records

  • Stop work and seek advice if the species is found, if trout are detected above a protecting barrier, if a barrier is damaged, or if sediment, pollution or unexpected dewatering affects retained habitat.
  • Stop work if flow, turbidity, temperature or access conditions make the approved rescue or survey method unsafe or ineffective.
  • Report any fish death, injury, escape, unauthorised capture, trout incursion, barrier breach, pollution event or sediment release immediately under the approval and fauna management plan.
  • Record daily weather, rainfall, flow conditions, machinery activity, inspections, fauna observations, captures, relocations, incidents and corrective actions.
  • Keep the fauna spotter catcher’s records with the project environmental records and provide them to the approval authority when required.

After habitat disturbance: Post clearance and reinstatement checks

Post work checks should confirm that the stream remains connected, shaded and free of avoidable sediment and predators. Monitoring should be scaled to the approval conditions and the risk posed by the project.

  • Inspect the entire disturbed reach after machinery leaves and again after the first substantial rainfall or flow event.
  • Check that the channel has its approved bed profile, flow path, pools, riffles, cobble, pebble, boulder and timber cover, with no blocked passage or new erosion.
  • Remove temporary barriers, spoil, sediment controls and waste only when doing so will not release sediment or harm aquatic habitat.
  • Confirm that no fish have been stranded in isolated pools, trenches, sumps, culverts or temporary diversions.
  • Photograph and map the completed works, retained habitat and any residual impact.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

  • Monitor water quality, sediment movement, flow continuity, bank stability, riparian shade and instream cover at the frequency required by the approval or fauna management plan.
  • Use repeat electrofishing or other authority approved aquatic surveys where the project could affect occupied habitat, recruitment or trout exclusion.
  • Compare post work observations with pre work records, including fish presence, habitat condition and any evidence of recruitment.
  • Report monitoring results, incidents, corrective actions and any failure to meet conditions to the project approval authority and relevant state database.
  • Maintain sediment, erosion, access and predator controls until the site is stable and the environmental officer confirms that they can be removed.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and residual impacts

  • Seek advice on offsets or other compensatory measures if the project causes approved residual loss or degradation of nationally listed habitat.
  • Do not treat stocking or translocation as a substitute for avoiding damage to occupied habitat or preventing trout access.
  • Where an approved conservation measure includes translocation, use only an authority approved, predator free and secure site with a monitoring plan.

Rehabilitation actions: Reinstate stream habitat

Rehabilitation should recreate the small, shaded, gently flowing headwater conditions used by the species. Protecting existing habitat and preventing trout access are higher priorities than creating new habitat after damage.

Known habitat structure: Moderately shaded, gently flowing creek with pools, shallow riffles, boulder, cobble and pebble substrate, and rock, timber and vegetation cover

Known habitat elevation: Approximately 195 to 275 m above sea level

  • Reconstruct the channel to the approved natural profile, with connected pools and shallow riffles and no abrupt barriers to fish passage.
  • Replace suitable cobble, pebble and boulder cover and reinstate small logs, branches and overhanging native vegetation where these were removed under approval.
  • Stabilise banks with methods that reduce erosion and keep sediment out of the channel, while retaining natural shade and bank cover.
  • Restore riparian vegetation using locally appropriate native species suited to the West Gippsland headwater site, with advice from the relevant Victorian land and water authority.
  • Do not create conditions that allow brown trout or rainbow trout to pass a natural barrier protecting galaxias habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: Control sediment, weeds and predators

  • Maintain erosion and sediment controls until revegetation is established and monitoring shows that runoff is not entering the stream.
  • Control weeds in the riparian zone using methods that do not contaminate water or disturb the bed and banks.
  • Inspect the reach and nearby barrier after high flows, fires and drought for sediment deposits, bank failure, drying or trout movement.
  • Remove introduced trout only through an authorised program using experienced personnel and approved electrofishing methods.
  • Manage fire planning and post fire erosion so that high flows do not deliver sediment into occupied riffles and spawning habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor recovery

  • Set success measures for flow continuity, bank stability, sediment cover, riparian shade, native vegetation establishment, instream cover and absence of introduced trout.
  • Repeat fish and habitat surveys at the intervals set by the approval or recovery program, with additional surveys after fire, drought, major rain or barrier damage.
  • Check for recruitment as well as adult presence, because no recruitment was recorded in the 2012 survey and sedimentation and drought stress have affected breeding success.
  • Record whether restored habitat remains connected to occupied habitat and whether any new population or translocation site remains predator free.
  • Use results to repair erosion, replace lost cover, control trout or adjust rehabilitation methods where success measures are not met.

Rehabilitation actions: Ex situ and translocation measures

  • Refer any proposed captive breeding, stocking or translocation to the relevant Victorian authority and obtain all required approvals before moving fish.
  • Use only sites assessed as suitable, predator free and secure, because no suitable predator free translocation sites had been located in the earlier assessment.
  • Treat hatchery releases and genetic top ups as specialist recovery actions, not routine project mitigation.
  • Monitor released fish and the receiving habitat under the approved translocation plan, including survival, recruitment, genetic management and trout exclusion.

Sources