Webinar with Dr Mark Lintermans: Fish need water - The future of Macquarie Perch depends on the flows we choose today

Written By Jimmy Hooper

One of Australia’s most iconic native fish is hanging on in the Upper Murrumbidgee River. The threatened Macquarie Perch still survives here, but the population is fragile and its future is far from secure.

Right now, a critical opportunity exists to change that.

The current review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID) could determine whether Macquarie Perch continue to decline or whether the river finally receives the flows needed to support a healthy population.

Fish need water. Without the right flows at the right times, even the best habitat and management actions cannot sustain native fish populations.

The Australian River Restoration Centre, through The Forgotten River campaign, invites you to join a special webinar exploring what the science tells us about fish, flows and the future of the Upper Murrumbidgee.

Hosted by Dr Siwan Lovett, on Friday 13 March, at 1.00pm leading fish biologist Dr Mark Lintermans will share insights from decades of monitoring native fish in the Upper Murrumbidgee River. Speaking live from Adaminaby after a morning in the river, Mark will explain what is really happening to Macquarie Perch populations and why river flows matter so much.

This conversation comes at a critical time. For many years, management responses have focused on “complementary measures” designed to help fish survive despite inadequate flows. These measures can help, but they cannot replace the fundamental requirement for water in the river.

If Macquarie Perch are to persist in the Upper Murrumbidgee, flow decisions must prioritise the needs of the river and the species that depend on it.

In this 20-minute presentation, we will explore:

  • What makes Macquarie Perch such a unique and important native fish

  • The current condition of populations in the Upper Murrumbidgee

  • What monitoring tells us about the genetic health of these populations

  • Why river flows are critical for spawning, survival and long-term recovery

  • Whether the current 27 GL annual flow is enough to support the species

  • Why the SWIOID review represents a pivotal moment for the future of these fish

The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

This webinar is part of The Forgotten River campaign, which is advocating for the flows the Upper Murrumbidgee needs to support healthy ecosystems and thriving native fish populations.

The science is clear: fish need water. The choices made during this review will shape the future of the river and the species that call it home. 

Register Here

Please note: registration is essential to attend and/or recieve a link to the recording

Threatened Macquarie Perch. Source: Fishes of the Murray-Darling Basin https://www.mdb.fish

Jimmy Hooper
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