Revegetating to aid fish breeding
With the help of Georges Riverkeeper and City of Canterbury Bankstown, Conservation Volunteers Australia volunteers planted more than 3,000 Sporobolus virginicus seedlings.
Haven’t heard of Sporobolus virginicus? Its common names include Sand Couch, Salt Couch and Saltwater Couch.
Regional Coordinator for CVA Greater Sydney, David Jones explained: “Sporobolus virginicus has been identified as a key source of habitat and food, supporting a wide range of different species, like algae, snails and crabs.
“In turn, this can have a positive flow on effect for populations of fish species. Think of Sporobolus as a gracious host, putting on an all-you-can-eat buffet for all the crabs, prawns and fish living in the Georges River.”
Georges Riverkeeper Manager Beth Salt said once abundant in the Georges River ecosystem, plant numbers had declined significantly: “This program will replant the habitat at six key sites in the Georges River catchment.”
The volunteers will continue planting at Little Salt Pan Creek on Thursday and Friday, October 19-20. If you’re interested in joining in, visit bookings.conservationvolunteers.org.
RECREATIONAL fishers, fishing clubs, councils and community groups can now throw a line in for funding to improve recreational fishing.
Funding is now available through the NSW Recreational Fishing Grants program and could be used for everything from building or refurbishing fishing platforms and fish cleaning facilities, to installing artificial reefs and improving aquatic habitats.
Applications close Thursday, October 31 and applicants keen to discuss ideas for new projects, can contact DPI on 4916 3835 or email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
