Western Paragalaxias (Paragalaxias julianus)

Conservation status

Tasmania, Threatened Species Protection Act 1995: Rare.

Breeding season

Western Paragalaxias is a Tasmanian freshwater fish listed as Rare and profiled as an EVNT species. Spawning is documented in spring, but exact months and local variation are poorly known, so September to November is used as a practical Tasmanian planning window.

Breeding mode: Spawning. Eggs are laid in masses on the sheltered, inland-facing side of rocks in shallow water.

Breeding season: Spring. Exact months are not recorded.

Clutch or egg-mass size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Larval development: Larvae are pelagic. The duration of the pelagic phase is not recorded.

Fledging or weaning: Not applicable to fish.

Age at maturity and breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Spawning may vary between lakes and years, and the September to November window is a practical calendar translation of the documented spring breeding season rather than a confirmed month-specific record.

• Spawning and egg laying: Spawning occurs in spring, with eggs laid in masses on sheltered rocks in shallow water.
• Egg masses and pelagic larvae: Eggs and newly hatched larvae are expected in or near shallow lake margins during the spring spawning period, but the duration of this stage is unknown.
• Use of shallow rocky lake margins: The species uses shallow rocky areas around lake margins throughout the year, including areas that may provide refuge from trout.
• Highest clearing risk: Avoid dewatering, excavation and other disturbance of shallow rocky lake margins during the spring spawning and early life stages, and obtain species-specific advice before works.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Western Paragalaxias is a small, stout fish and the largest of the Paragalaxias species. Colour varies with habitat, so use several features together and seek advice where identification is uncertain.

Adults may reach about 100 mm in length. The snout tapers, the dorsal fin is small and begins slightly behind the pelvic fin, and the tail is slightly forked.

The back and sides are usually dark brown to black, with markings ranging from irregular patches to distinct bars. The belly is silvery olive and the fins are clear.

Body form: Small and stout

Maximum reported length: About 100 mm

Colour: Variable, usually dark brown to black markings with a silvery olive belly

Identification: Calls and similar species

This is a fish, so calls and echolocation are not useful field identification features. Do not rely on visual identification alone when handling small native fish in the Western Lakes.

The Western Lakes also support climbing galaxias, spotted galaxias and Clarence galaxias. The available field information does not give simple distinguishing features for these species, so retain specimens only where legally authorised and seek expert confirmation from photographs or approved methods.

• Record the waterbody, location, date, habitat and clear photographs where possible.
• Do not move the fish between waterbodies.
• Freshwater fish cannot be collected without the relevant permit or authority.

Identification: Field signs

There are no terrestrial signs such as droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odour to search for. Detection should focus on live fish in shallow rocky margins and suitable spawning areas.

Pelagic larvae can be exposed to trout predation and may be difficult to detect during routine visual inspections.

• Treat shallow, sheltered rocky margins as potential habitat.
• Arrange an aquatic fauna assessment where works may dewater or disturb these areas.
• Report unusual fish captures to the Inland Fisheries Service.

Distribution: Australian range

The Western Paragalaxias is endemic to Tasmania and has a highly restricted range. It is associated with the Western Lakes area of the Central Plateau Conservation Area and has not been recorded as a mainland Australian or overseas species.

The species occurs only in Tasmania. Its known range is in the Western Lakes, including the upper Ouse and Little Pine catchments and the James River catchment.

Records include Lake Fergus at the southern range extremity and Pillans Lake in the James River catchment. Lake Augusta supports a large population, and the Julian Lakes and areas above them are also significant.

• Central Plateau Conservation Area
• Western Lakes area west of the A5 Highland Lakes Road
• Ouse, James and Little Pine river systems
• Lake Fergus, Lake Augusta, Pillans Lake and the Julian Lakes area

Distribution: What to check on a project site

Confirm whether a site is within, or hydrologically connected to, the Western Lakes area. Include nearby lakes, lagoons, tarns, streams and rivers in the site assessment where works could alter water levels or allow movement between waterbodies.

The species does not appear to use flowing riverine habitat regularly, although it has been found in a large still riverine pool.

• Map all shallow rocky lake margins within the works footprint.
• Check for connections to occupied or potentially occupied lakes.
• Consider both the immediate works area and downstream or connected waterbodies.

Distribution: Survey planning

The species is poorly known, and the habitat critical to its survival has not been fully defined. Surveys should therefore cover suitable shallow margins across the likely impact area rather than relying only on previously mapped records.

Use appropriately authorised aquatic fauna specialists and follow Tasmanian biosecurity requirements. Clean and dry boats, trailers, waders and fishing equipment before moving between waters.

• Plan surveys before dewatering, excavation or shoreline disturbance.
• Record trout presence and the condition of shallow rocky habitat.
• Report unusual captures promptly to the Inland Fisheries Service.

Habitat: Features to look for

Western Paragalaxias generally lives in shallow rocky areas around lake margins. These sites can be remote and intact, but water-level changes can affect both occupied habitat and spawning areas.

Search the shallow edges of lakes, lagoons and tarns, especially where rocks provide sheltered, inland-facing surfaces. Focus on margins with relatively still water rather than exposed open water or fast-flowing channels.

The species may use shallow backwaters where trout pressure is lower. Rocky margin habitat should be treated as suitable even where fish are not seen during a brief inspection.

• Shallow water along rocky margins
• Sheltered coves and backwaters
• Inland-facing sides of rocks
• Still or weakly flowing water connected with lakes

Habitat: Habitat condition

Most occupied lakes are remote and have little direct human-induced habitat degradation. Lake Augusta is an exception, because it is dammed and managed for hydro-electricity generation.

Lake drawdowns can expose shallow areas used by the species and its spawning habitat. Higher water levels may also give trout access to refuge areas.

• Map the normal and proposed water-level range where relevant.
• Identify shallow areas that would be exposed during drawdown.
• Avoid unnecessary disturbance to rocky lake margins and access tracks.

Habitat: Site controls

Before construction, identify whether access, temporary works, pumping or drainage could alter the depth or duration of water over shallow margins. Keep machinery, sediment and fuels away from the water wherever practicable.

Do not transfer fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates or other organisms between inland waters. Prevent mud and water carried on equipment from entering another waterbody.

• Use clean, dry equipment between waterbodies.
• Contain and manage sediment and polluted runoff.
• Obtain approvals before disturbing reserved land or freshwater fish habitat.

Foraging habitat: Food and feeding areas

The species feeds on aquatic animals in its lake environment. Its known feeding habitat is closely associated with shallow rocky margins and sheltered waters, although detailed habitat preferences are still being clarified.

The diet includes insect larvae and small planktonic crustaceans. Likely feeding areas include shallow rocky margins, sheltered backwaters and nearby still water where aquatic invertebrates are available.

Avoid assuming that open water is unused. Trout may restrict Western Paragalaxias to shallow backwaters and deter movement into open water.

Recorded food: Insect larvae and small planktonic crustaceans

Likely feeding setting: Shallow, sheltered lake-margin habitat

• Inspect shallow rocky edges for fish activity.
• Retain natural rock margins where possible.
• Prevent sediment, spills and construction debris from entering feeding areas.

Foraging habitat: Development risks

Dewatering can remove access to shallow feeding habitat and may strand fish. Sediment or contaminated runoff can reduce water quality and affect aquatic invertebrate prey.

Temporary access roads, pumps and stockpiles should be positioned to avoid direct disturbance of lake margins and connected pools.

• Keep pumping and discharge arrangements under environmental supervision.
• Inspect dewatered areas for stranded fish before works proceed.
• Restore disturbed margins and flow paths where approved and feasible.

Foraging habitat: Trout and habitat use

Brown trout are widespread throughout the known range. Western Paragalaxias is more abundant in trout-free waters, and trout predation or competition may reduce habitat use and movement between lakes.

Do not introduce or move fish or other aquatic organisms. Prevent equipment and water from spreading organisms between waterbodies.

• Record trout presence during aquatic surveys.
• Treat trout-free or low-trout areas as high-priority habitat.
• Escalate proposed works that could connect previously separate waters.

Breeding habitat: Spawning sites

Spawning occurs in spring in shallow water. Eggs are laid in masses on the sheltered, inland-facing side of rocks, making spawning habitat sensitive to drawdown and physical disturbance.

Look for shallow rocky margins with rocks that provide sheltered, inland-facing surfaces. These areas may be used for egg masses even when adult fish are not readily visible.

The species does not appear to form terrestrial nests, colonies, hollows, caves or burrows. Eggs are laid in masses on submerged rock surfaces.

Breeding season: Spring

Egg location: Masses on the sheltered, inland-facing side of rocks in shallow water

• Mark shallow rocky spawning areas before works begin.
• Keep plant, vehicle and machinery access away from occupied margins.
• Avoid placing temporary structures, pumps or spoil on submerged or seasonally submerged rocks.

Breeding habitat: Water levels and eggs

Drawdown can dewater spawning areas and expose egg masses. Changes in water levels can also alter access to refuge habitat and increase the potential for trout to reach shallow areas.

Lake Augusta has no lake-level agreement described for this species. Its operating range can vary by 8.99 m, with occasional greater maintenance drawdowns.

• Assess water-level effects before pumping or drawdown.
• Avoid planned dewatering during spring where practicable.
• Use staged works and inspect exposed margins for fish and eggs under an approved method.

Breeding habitat: Breeding survey and protection

Detailed reproductive information is limited, so use a precautionary approach at suitable spring habitat. A qualified aquatic ecologist should set the survey method and any exclusion or relocation procedure under the relevant approvals.

Do not collect, handle or relocate fish or egg masses unless the necessary authority is in place.

• Survey shallow rocky margins before spring works where feasible.
• Stop and seek advice if egg masses or concentrated fish activity are found.
• Maintain water over suitable spawning areas for as long as practicable.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Western Paragalaxias uses shallow rocky lake margins and may shelter in shallow backwaters. Trout pressure may keep individuals away from open water and may reduce exchange between populations in different lakes.

Inspect shallow margins with rocks, narrow coves and backwaters. Sheltered areas may provide cover from trout and may be used by both adults and young fish.

There are no known roosting structures or terrestrial shelter sites for this species. Habitat assessment should remain focused on submerged and seasonally submerged freshwater features.

• Sheltered rocky edges
• Shallow backwaters
• Coves and protected margins
• Still pools connected to lake systems

Sheltering habitat: Trout refuge

Trout prey on Western Paragalaxias, and pelagic larvae are particularly vulnerable. Trout may also deter movement into open water, leaving fish concentrated in shallow refuge habitat.

Any work that removes shallow cover, changes water depth or creates access for trout can reduce the value of refuge areas.

• Record trout abundance and access routes during surveys.
• Protect shallow refuge areas from drawdown and physical damage.
• Avoid creating new connections between trout waters and isolated shallow habitat.

Sheltering habitat: Works-site practice

Keep vehicles, machinery and temporary facilities out of shallow water unless approved access is unavoidable. Use defined access points and inspect equipment for weeds, fish and other aquatic organisms before moving between waters.

If fish are found during construction, pause the activity affecting the water and contact the project ecologist and the relevant Tasmanian authorities.

• Use clean, dry equipment between waterbodies.
• Prevent water transfer in pumps, hoses, buckets and tanks.
• Do not release captured fish or other organisms into another waterbody.

Threats: Dewatering and water-level change

The main works-site risks are trout impacts, drawdown and physical disturbance of shallow lake margins. The species has a restricted distribution, so impacts at one lake or connected population may have wider consequences.

Dewatering can expose occupied habitat and spring spawning areas. This includes pumping for construction, drainage changes, dam operations and maintenance drawdowns.

Assess the depth, duration and extent of any proposed water-level change. Use staged works, retain water over suitable margins and inspect isolated pools for stranded fish.

• Prepare a dewatering and aquatic fauna management plan before works.
• Avoid unnecessary drawdown during spring.
• Use qualified personnel for fish inspection and any authorised relocation.

Threats: Physical disturbance and pollution

Excavation, bank access, rock removal, sediment release and contaminated runoff can damage shallow habitat and reduce aquatic prey. Fuel, concrete washout and other pollutants must be kept out of lakes and connected waterways.

Limit the construction footprint and keep stockpiles, refuelling areas and washdown facilities away from water.

• Install suitable erosion and sediment controls.
• Maintain a spill response kit and clear exclusion areas.
• Reinstate disturbed margins using approved methods.

Threats: Trout and aquatic organism transfer

Brown trout occur throughout the known range and are a major ecological pressure. Trout prey on the species, particularly pelagic larvae, and may restrict access to deeper or open water.

Moving fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates or water between sites can spread organisms and alter isolated fish communities. Transfer of freshwater organisms between inland waters is prohibited.

• Do not use fish or fish products as bait.
• Do not relocate fish or other organisms between waterbodies.
• Clean, check and dry boats, trailers, waders, pumps and other wet equipment.

Threats: Legal protection and project controls

The Western Paragalaxias is listed as Rare in Tasmania and occurs within reserved land, including the Central Plateau Conservation Area. Collection of freshwater species requires a permit, and fish on reserved land are protected under the relevant reserves legislation.

Confirm approvals and survey requirements before clearing, shoreline works, pumping or construction. Report unusual fish captures and suspected illegal activity to the appropriate Tasmanian authority.

Tasmanian status: Rare under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

Project relevance: State and Commonwealth listed threatened fish

• Use a suitably qualified aquatic fauna ecologist.
• Include the species in the project's environmental management plan where Western Lakes habitat may be affected.
• Stop work and seek advice if Western Paragalaxias, egg masses or an unanticipated fish concentration is found.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Western paragalaxias is a rare freshwater fish confined to Tasmania, with known populations in the Western Lakes area. Surveys should focus on shallow, rocky lake margins and other still waters in the Ouse, James and Little Pine systems.

Map all lakes, lagoons, tarns, streams and riverine pools within and downstream of the work area. Give particular attention to shallow rocky margins and known or potential connections between occupied waters.

Check threatened species records, current reserve management requirements, water level operations and any proposed works that could alter shallow shoreline habitat.

• Confirm whether the site is within the Central Plateau Conservation Area, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area or another reserved area.
• Identify possible effects from dewatering, drawdown, changes in water level, sediment release, barriers and access by introduced trout.
• Obtain current advice from the Tasmanian threatened species and inland fisheries authorities before selecting survey methods.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Survey shallow rocky lake margins, sheltered areas behind rocks and still pools. Search from the shore and, where authorised, use appropriate fish sampling methods selected by a qualified freshwater ecologist.

Use methods that can detect both fish and breeding evidence. Spring surveys are particularly relevant because spawning occurs then, with egg masses attached to the sheltered inland facing sides of rocks in shallow water. Larvae are pelagic and may require separate sampling in open or nearshore water.

• Use visual searches in clear, shallow water where conditions allow.
• Use dip nets, traps, electrofishing or other methods only where approved and operated by appropriately authorised personnel.
• Avoid disturbing rocks or egg masses unless this is necessary for an approved survey.
• Repeat searches where water level, turbidity, weather or access conditions reduce detection.
• Treat a non detection as inconclusive unless the survey design and conditions support a reliable conclusion.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and survey conditions

Plan surveys when shallow margins are accessible and water is clear enough for observation. Include spring work when breeding habitat and egg masses need to be assessed.

Survey before any drawdown, dewatering, shoreline works or other activity that could remove shallow habitat. Consider follow up surveys if water levels, turbidity or access change materially.

• Record water level and recent drawdown history.
• Record weather, water clarity, flow, depth class, substrate and shoreline condition.
• Avoid moving fish, water, aquatic plants, wet equipment or other organisms between waters.
• Clean and dry boats, trailers, waders, nets and other equipment before moving between catchments.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and reporting

Record every observation and sampling result, including non detections. Use photographs and precise location information where this can be done without harming fish or breeding habitat.

• Record date, time, observers, survey method, effort, locations and the area searched.
• Record fish numbers or counts by sampling event, size where safely measured, habitat used and evidence of trout presence.
• Record egg masses, larvae, stranded fish, dead fish, injured fish, barriers, dewatered margins and unusual water conditions.
• Submit records and unusual captures to the relevant Tasmanian fisheries or threatened species authority promptly.
• Report suspected illegal transfers, unauthorised take or other offences to the appropriate authority.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoid work in occupied shallow shoreline habitat wherever practicable. Western paragalaxias is listed as rare in Tasmania, so even a small work area should be assessed in the context of the connected lake and catchment population.

Confirm the approvals that apply before planning ground disturbance, water level changes, fish handling, dewatering or access to reserved land. Do not collect, capture, relocate or kill freshwater fish without the required authority.

Assess whether the action requires an EPBC Act referral or approval. Confirm the current Commonwealth listing and referral requirements with the responsible regulator.

A Queensland species management program is not the normal pathway for this Tasmanian population. If work occurs in Queensland, obtain advice on whether a Queensland species management program or other approval applies, noting that this species is endemic to Tasmania.

• Obtain Tasmanian threatened species, inland fisheries and reserved land approvals where required.
• Confirm land manager approval and any hydro electric or water level operating requirements.
• Keep permits, conditions, approved methods and emergency contacts at the work site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Redesign works to retain shallow rocky margins, sheltered rock faces and water connections. Avoid drawdown or dewatering of occupied or potential spawning areas, particularly during spring.

Use a site specific exclusion area around occupied habitat. Set the boundary using the advice of the fisheries or threatened species authority, because a standard distance is not established for this species.

• Keep plant, vehicles, spoil, fuel and sediment out of the water and shoreline habitat.
• Prevent sediment, concrete washout, chemicals and dirty water from entering lakes, tarns, streams or pools.
• Do not create barriers that isolate fish between water bodies.
• Do not stock, release or transfer fish or other aquatic organisms.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre clearance survey

Complete a pre clearance survey immediately before works that could affect water, the bed, banks or shallow margins. Search for fish, egg masses and larvae, and inspect areas that may be exposed by drawdown or dewatering.

Use an aquatic ecologist or other suitably qualified person to confirm the survey area, methods and findings. Treat all suitable shallow rocky habitat as potentially occupied until assessed.

• Mark no go areas and sensitive shoreline sections clearly on plans and on the ground.
• Locate egg masses on the sheltered inland facing sides of rocks without moving or exposing them.
• Check connected waters and downstream areas if the work could alter flow, water level or fish movement.
• Stop planning changes that would expose spawning habitat until the relevant authority has reviewed them.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing, exclusion and induction

Schedule works outside spring spawning where this can be achieved. There is no established migration period, but trout may restrict movement and exchange between lakes, so do not assume that fish remain in one small area.

Brief all workers before they enter the site. The induction should cover the species, habitat, legal controls, hygiene and stop work procedures.

• Show workers photographs or an approved identification guide before work starts.
• Explain that fish, egg masses, water, mud, plants and wet equipment must not be moved between waters.
• Identify the authorised spotter catcher or aquatic fauna supervisor and the person who can stop work.
• Display contact details for the project manager, ecologist, fisheries authority and wildlife rescue provider.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged approach that keeps water connected and limits disturbance to the smallest practicable area. No worker should handle Western paragalaxias unless authorised under the relevant permit and project method statement.

Clear vegetation, access routes and shoreline works in stages. Complete the least intrusive works first, then reassess the water and habitat before progressing.

Keep shallow refuges and escape routes wet. Do not isolate or trap fish by blocking channels, lowering water levels or placing temporary structures without an approved aquatic fauna method.

• Start at the edge of the approved work area and progress towards the disturbed section.
• Use clean equipment dedicated to the water body where practicable.
• Control turbidity and prevent contaminated or sediment laden water from entering occupied habitat.
• Inspect exposed margins immediately if water levels fall unexpectedly.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop work and animal authority

The fauna spotter catcher or aquatic fauna supervisor must have clear authority to stop work. Stop immediately if Western paragalaxias, an egg mass, larvae, a stranded fish or previously unrecorded suitable habitat is found within the impact area.

• Secure plant and prevent further disturbance.
• Keep the animal, egg mass or habitat wet and shaded where this can be done safely.
• Contact the project ecologist and the relevant fisheries or threatened species authority.
• Resume only under an approved direction, revised method or permit condition.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and active breeding places

Handle fish only when authorised and when handling is necessary for an approved rescue or survey. Use a qualified aquatic fauna handler and follow the approved capture, holding and release method.

An egg mass attached to a rock is an active breeding place for project management purposes. Do not move the rock, expose the eggs or disturb the surrounding shallow water unless specifically authorised.

• Do not move fish or egg masses to another water body without written authority and an approved method.
• Do not use unclean containers, nets or water from another catchment.
• If an active breeding place is found, establish an immediate exclusion area and obtain specialist advice before continuing.
• Record the location, condition and action taken.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or dead fish

Do not improvise treatment or release locations. Keep an injured fish in suitable clean water only if directed by the authorised handler or wildlife authority, and minimise handling time.

Seek advice from the relevant Tasmanian fisheries authority or an approved aquatic wildlife veterinarian or rescue provider.

• Record photographs, location, apparent cause and condition without delaying care.
• Report dead fish, fish kills, stranding or suspected poisoning promptly.
• Preserve relevant evidence, including water quality observations and photographs, where safe and lawful.
• Do not release a fish into a different lake, stream or catchment.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records

Maintain a daily aquatic fauna record throughout disturbance. Record controls as well as incidents, including when no fish are detected.

• Record work dates, personnel, weather, water level, turbidity and areas entered.
• Record sightings, captures, handling, releases, mortalities, egg masses and stop work events.
• Record equipment hygiene checks and any breach of the approved method.
• Notify the project manager and regulator of incidents within the timeframe set by the permit or approval.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post clearance inspection

Post work checks should confirm that no fish, egg masses or suitable shallow habitat have been left isolated or exposed. Use the results to correct controls before the next work stage or similar project.

Inspect the full work area after clearing and after any dewatering, water level change or temporary structure removal. Check shallow rocky margins, sheltered rock faces, pools and downstream areas.

Look for stranded or injured fish, exposed egg masses, dead fish, sediment deposition, blocked connections and newly accessible trout habitat.

• Keep the area under exclusion until the inspection is complete.
• Restore water connection and safe escape routes where this is authorised and practical.
• Do not move rocks or release water in a way that could scour or expose breeding habitat.
• Photograph and map any changed shoreline or aquatic habitat.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting and notifications

Provide a completion report to the project manager and relevant authorities in accordance with approval conditions. Include enough detail to support future management of the population and site.

• Summarise survey effort, detections, non detections, handling, incidents and corrective actions.
• Attach maps, photographs, permit records, water level observations and hygiene records.
• Report unusual captures, fish kills, suspected illegal transfers and unauthorised take promptly.
• Update the project risk register and threatened species records where requested.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and follow up

Where relocation was authorised, confirm the release location, condition of each animal and any follow up requirement. Relocation should not be treated as a substitute for avoidance.

Use only the approved release water and method. Do not move fish between unrelated waters or catchments.

• Confirm that temporary holding equipment was cleaned and dried after use.
• Check the release area for suitable shallow refuge and safe water quality before release.
• Record post release observations required by the permit or method statement.
• Arrange follow up inspection if fish were stranded, habitat was dewatered or an egg mass was exposed.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every stop work event, mortality, unauthorised disturbance, water quality failure or hygiene breach before the next stage begins. The review should involve the fauna supervisor and the relevant technical adviser.

• Identify the immediate cause and any underlying planning failure.
• Amend the exclusion area, work sequence, water controls or induction where needed.
• Brief all crews on the change before work resumes.
• Retain the review with the project environmental records.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Shoreline and aquatic habitat

Rehabilitation should restore shallow, rocky lake margin habitat and maintain water quality and connectivity. The species uses natural rocky spawning sites, so habitat repair is generally more appropriate than installing artificial breeding structures.

Reinstate shallow rocky margins, sheltered rock faces and still water areas affected by the work. Use local, clean materials and a design approved by the aquatic ecologist and land manager.

Avoid creating steep, unstable banks or a shoreline that is exposed during normal operating conditions. Consider the effect of water level variation on shallow refuge and spawning habitat.

• Remove temporary crossings, barriers, spoil and redundant structures from the water and shoreline.
• Stabilise disturbed banks without burying shallow rocky habitat.
• Maintain natural water connections and avoid concentrating flow through a small channel.
• Do not place fill, rock or other material in the water without approval.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Breeding habitat and structures

Western paragalaxias lays egg masses on sheltered, inland facing sides of rocks in shallow water. Retain and restore suitable natural rocks in stable positions.

Nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites and roost structures are not suitable replacement structures for this fish. Do not install them as mitigation for this species unless a qualified aquatic specialist develops and obtains approval for a specific, evidence based design.

• Do not remove or reposition natural spawning rocks during rehabilitation without authorisation.
• Protect restored spawning areas from trampling, vehicle access and drawdown effects.
• Use natural habitat restoration as the first option.
• Seek specialist advice before testing any artificial substrate or breeding structure.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, pests and water quality

Keep rehabilitation materials and equipment free of weeds, soil, fish, aquatic plants and other organisms. Prevent sediment and pollutants from entering the water during and after works.

• Clean and dry boats, trailers, waders, nets and tools before moving between waters.
• Do not transfer water, mud, fish, frogs, tadpoles, invertebrates or plants between inland waters.
• Control weeds without contaminating occupied water or shallow spawning areas.
• Inspect erosion and sediment controls after rain and water level changes.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting and site use

Avoid unnecessary lighting over shallow margins and water. Use directional, low spill lighting where safety requires illumination, and keep it away from retained habitat where practicable.

Limit night access, noise and repeated shoreline traffic after rehabilitation. These controls also reduce accidental damage to shallow refuge and spawning areas.

• Aim lights away from the water and use the lowest effective intensity.
• Keep vehicle and pedestrian routes outside restored shoreline habitat.
• Use barriers and signs to prevent public access to recovering areas.
• Remove lighting and temporary infrastructure when no longer required.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long term monitoring

Monitor restored habitat for stability, water level effects, sediment, weeds, trout access and use by Western paragalaxias. The monitoring design should reflect the rare listing and the local risk, rather than relying on a single post work inspection.

Use an aquatic ecologist to set the method, timing and duration in consultation with the relevant authorities.

• Repeat visual and approved fish surveys during suitable conditions, including spring where breeding habitat is being assessed.
• Record fish detections, egg masses, larvae, habitat condition, water level and trout observations.
• Compare results with the pre work baseline where one exists.
• Continue monitoring until restoration objectives are met and remove failed structures or controls promptly.
• Adapt water level, access, sediment and weed controls if monitoring shows a decline or new risk.

Sources

• Recovery Plan: Tasmanian Galaxiidae 2006-2010., Australian Government: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/tasmanian-galaxiidae.pdf
• [PDF] Western Lakes Anglers Access - Inland Fisheries Service, Tasmanian Government: https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/media/publications/Western_Lakes_Brochure_Edition_6_2018_WEB.pdf
• [PDF] Western Lakes Anglers Access - Inland Fisheries Service, Tasmanian Government: https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/static/pdf/Western%20Lakes%20Brochure%20Edition%205%20WEB.84afb0dc8101.pdf
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/