River assessment is under way
Fisheries scientists and local fishers have started the first assessment of fish stocks in the Richmond River.
Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said the assessment followed the massive fish kill which forced the river’s closure on January 18 after major flooding.
He said that under the State Government’s $130,000 recovery package, local commercial fishers would assist scientists from the Department of Primary Industries to monitor the rate of recovery of fish and crustaceans.
“This survey is important for the entire region — it will help determine when the river can be reopened to fishing,” Mr Macdonald said.
The survey began on Sunday will continue until Thursday.
the survey has been designed to use several commercial fishing methods in various parts of the lower Richmond, from Coraki to Ballina and including the Recreation Fishing Haven,” Mr Macdonald said.
NSW DPI chief scientist Dr Steve Kennelly said every effort would be made throughout the monitoring survey to release all fish and crustaceans as soon as possible following capture.
Mr Macdonald said water quality moitoring by DPI and Richmond River county Council staff had found a ’significant improvement’ throughout the Richmond estuary by the end of January.
But further rain in February had slowed the recovery process, he said.
Mr Macdonald said the results of the fish survey would be presented to the Richmond Fish Kill Reference Group as soon as possible, and the group would then provide feedback to the Minister.
