Native fish and waterbirds are among the beneficiaries of environmental water releases aimed at boosting River Murray ecosystems this spring ahead of a forecast hot and dry summer.
Environmental water releases from upstream storages are providing a boost to the health of the River Murray and are maximising the ecological benefits of last year’s floods.
The flows will help transport nutrients and microscopic animals along the river system in SA, providing food and habitat for recently spawned fish species, including tiny Murray cod and golden perch.
Spring flows are vital for the survival and growth of many native fish species and are particularly important for the ongoing health of the Coorong which has experienced a remarkable revitalisation since the floods.
Waterbirds, including swans, pelicans and cormorants, as well as a range of native estuarine fish will all benefit from the releases.
Many areas along the River Murray received much needed water for the first time in more than 60 years as a result of the 2022–23 flood, prompting a boom in bird breeding, native fish spawning and plant growth.
Further monitoring of birds, vegetation, frogs and fish will continue at key sites along the river to assess the outcomes of the flood and ongoing environmental water delivery.
These spring water releases, which remain within the main channels and increase river marginally, are expected to be completed by December.
They have come from various storages within Murray-Darling Basin including those located within the Murray, Goulburn, Murrumbidgee and Darling rivers, and Lake Victoria.
They are provided mainly by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Living Murray program and highlight the importance of water for the environment for a healthy, functioning river.
Ecological monitoring at the Chowilla Floodplain and Lower Lakes and Coorong is supported by The Living Murray, a joint initiative funded by the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian and Commonwealth Governments and coordinated by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
Native fish monitoring in the SA River Channel is undertaken through the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder's Science program – Flow Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (Flow-MER).
Quotes attributable to Susan Close, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water
With forecasts predicting a hot summer and below average rainfall, these releases will put the ecosystem in the best possible position for the upcoming conditions.
While creating environments for animals to breed, these releases also help to improve the general health of the river throughout the Murray-Darling Basin.
The conditions in the South Australian stretch of the River Murray have been positive post-flood, and it is our job to ensure it remains as good as possible.
Quotes attributable to Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and
Regional Development
Over the past two decades, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) research has contributed to a greater understanding of River Murray health through the ongoing monitoring of fish populations and native wetland vegetation throughout the Lower Murray and Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth regions.
This collaborative effort between SARDI, PIRSA and Department of Environment and Water contributes not only in determining these environmental water releases, but also in supporting sustainable fishery management and the aquatic ecosystem health of the river.
A greater understanding on how all these elements of the river system operate helps in delivering a healthy and productive South Australian River Murray.
Quotes attributable to Tony Herbert, Environmental Water Manager Department for Environment and Water
Small volumes of water for the environment are arriving in SA during spring from upstream in the River Murray, Goulburn River, Murrumbidgee River and Darling/Baaka River.
Each delivery of water for the environment can achieve multiple outcomes as it travels downstream to different parts of the Basin.
Coordinated delivery of water for the environment in spring is a feature of annual planning and operations.
Water holders and river operators cooperate to ensure water is delivered in a way and at a time that generates the best environmental outcomes.
Quotes attributable to SA Research and Development Institute Aquatic Scientist Qifeng Ye
In the lower River Murray, golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod populations benefit from increased flows during spring in various ways including to provide favourable habitat, stimulate spawning, support downstream drift of their eggs and larvae, and promote recruitment.
Spring flows at the Lower Murray barrages are also needed for migratory native fish like congolli and common galaxias. The juveniles of these species use the barrage fishways to move from saltwater to freshwater as part of their lifecycle.
Freshwater flow is critical to attract these fish and operate the fishways.
