Environment Matters Spring/Summer 2021

waterway

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Images: 1. Long-finned eel, 2. Native fish

Life just beneath

the surface Next time you are walking past an Ipswich creek, see if you can spot what might be living in there. Many schooling native fish are visible just below the surface. The freshwater reaches of Ipswich's waterways provide habitat to 34 species of native fish. Half of these native species are ‘potamodromus’ meaning they spend their entire life cycle in freshwater. This includes the endangered Mary River Cod and vulnerable Queensland Lungfish. The other half of our native species are ‘diadromous’, needing both freshwater and estuarine habitats throughout their lifecycle. The Long-finned eel is a remarkable example of a local diadromous species. Mature eels migrate from upstream freshwater habitats to deep-sea trenches thousands of kilometres offshore before they spawn and die. The juveniles ride ocean currents for up to a year before returning to the freshwater habitats of their parents. It’s important we ensure Ipswich

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4. CONNECTIVITY Fish barriers such as weirs, culverts, crossings and causeways can impede the movements of native fish and create conditions which favour pest species. Connectivity between habitats strengthens native fish populations.

5. WATER QUALITY Stable temperatures and good dissolved oxygen

concentrations are necessary for aquatic creatures. Keeping nutrient levels in check helps avoid harmful algal blooms. We can contribute by limiting fertilisers in the garden.

waterways are healthy and functioning well so our many native fish species can thrive.

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