Fishways
Native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin have suffered a decline in both numbers and distribution as their habitats decline due to drought, introduced fish species and water pollution.
Locks, weirs, and barrages stopped the free movement of fish along the River Murray, so we have built fishways into each structure.
The fishways are a series of connected pools in a gently sloping structure that allow native fish to migrate upstream, moving from pool to pool. National fish experts monitor the fishways to assess their effectiveness.
European carp cause the degradation of river systems due to their feeding habits. The fish regularly uproot native aquatic plants and stir up sediments. By removing carp from the river, we help protect native fish and aquatic biodiversity.
Our carp cage at Blanchetown's Lock One is an effective method of controlling European carp numbers in the River Murray. Operating since 2007, the cage traps carp while allowing native fish to swim underneath it. The cage is emptied at regular intervals and the carp caught are humanely euthanized, as it is illegal to return them to the river. The carp are processed by a licensed fisheries company and used in products including fish bait, cat food and fertiliser.