Wetland Management
Fixing Fish Habitat in the Clarence Estuary
IMPORTANCE OF THE CLARENCE ESTUARY
The Clarence estuary is one of the most significant areas for marine biodiversity in NSW. It has the forth largest area of mangrove forest in the state, the second largest area of seagrass and the eighth largest area of saltmarsh. In addition, the estuary is recognised as the most important wild catch fishery in NSW, accounting for approximately 30% of the state’s total annual catch.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
In 2002 the NSW Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee provided $120,000 from recreational fishing license fees for a two year pilot fish habitat rehabilitation program focused specifically on the lower Clarence Catchment. Local government, Landcare and Rivercare groups, community groups, angling clubs and individual landholders were eligible to apply.
WHO WAS FUNDED?
The community responded to the pilot program with enthusiasm. Successful applications were submitted by individual landholders, Landcare and Rivercare groups, local angling clubs, professional fishers, local government representatives, and environment groups.
WHAT DID THEY ACHIEVE?
The pilot project was a great success, with13 projects achieving the following:
- improvement of over 300 ha of estuarine wetland and floodplain habitat
- reinstatement of over 10 km of fish passage
- generation of $430,000 in supporting contributions
- securing matching funding of $120,000 from the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority
- increasing community interest in rehabilitation projects to improve fish habitat.
However, one benefit of a geographically focused program is that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The restoration of a number of mangroves, salt marshes, wetlands and riparian areas within one estuary will no doubt help support the growth and maintenance of a vibrant and resilient aquatic ecosystem.
COST OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
Grants of between $6000 and $20,000 were distributed, with phenomenal levels of in-kind support.
EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS
The table below is a summary of the wetland projects funded under the pilot program.
NAME |
SITE |
GRANT |
IN-KIND |
OUTCOME |
| Theo Tulk Reserve Landuse: Private and grazing |
16 ha degraded Mangrove and floodplain forest |
$6,573 | $19,000 | - removed large amounts of weed – erects a post and cable barrier fence to manage vehicle access – removed excess mounds and ridges from wheel ruts to allow natural tidal regimes – established area suitable for saltmarsh establishment |
| East Micalo Island Landuse: private, grazing |
Was once recognised as the most ecologically important areas of the lower Clarence River. | $10,000 | $26,733 | - introduced tidal flows and fish passage to over 5 km waterway and saltmarsh – increased the range of fish to include mullet, flathead and bream – improved water quality – reduced nuisance aquatic weeds |
| Micalo Island Landuse: Private and grazing |
Degraded low-lying island subject to flooding and tidal inundation | $19,602 | $25,398 | - rehabilitate 25 ha. of wetland, mangrove and saltmarsh – 5000m of fence to restrict cattle – exised sections of levee banks to reintroduce flows – removed barriers to fish passage (eg. Narrow pipes and floodgates) – improved connectivity to rain river channel – constructed a fish friendly bridge crossing |
| Oyster Channel Landuse: private and grazing |
Was once an estuarine wetland, now "dry, severely degraded by land clearing, drainage and levee construction" ( the landowner) | $19,980 | $26,878 | - restored tidal exchange to 15 ha of wetland – open up 1.5 km of waterway for fish – created refuge islands for predator – safe nesting- erect fence to restrict cattle – planted over 600 trees |
| West Micalo Island Landuse: Private, grazing |
Limited tidal flushing to extensive saltmarsh, poor water quality, algal blooms | $8,825 | $20,875 | - resinstated tidal flows to 50 ha – improved fish passage- reduced saltation – improved water quality – reduced weed growth |
| Little Broadwater WetlandLanduse: Landholders provided with a "stewardship payment" to remove cattle | Once a tidal estuarine wetland, now no tidal or flood flows to over 170 ha. | $9,860 | $95,860 | - installed tidally operated floodgates and re-established natural tidal
flows. – created wetland habitat for range of flora and fauna species – 3.5 km of fencing to restrict cattle access – improved water quality (PH 4-5 to PH 7) |
| Shark Creek / Harwood Bridge Landuse: Recreational |
Degraded, sensitive Mangrove habitat | $20,000 | $20,000 | - reduce weed from 80 to 10 percent cover in one area, and from 50 to
less than 5 percent in another – erect fencing – planted 3000 trees – rehabilitated 5 ha. – installed signs, developed posters – generated community support |
WHAT NEXT?
The success of the program during 2002-2004 resulted in the introduction of a Coastal Fish Habitat Grant Program in 2005 with a total funding allocation of $160,000. This opened up the program to all coastal catchments and allowed an increase from $10,000 to $30,000 as the upper limit available for individual projects. The Fish Habitat Grant Program is still in progress with Round 2 coastal projects and Round 5 freshwater projects commencing soon. Subsequent rounds will be announced by NSW DPI, the details of which can be obtained by contacting charlotte.grove@dpi.nsw.gov.au
For more information on any of these projects;
Fixing Fish Habitat is the Clarence – Brochure
or
Contact charlotte.grove@dpi.nsw.gov.au
