Log cabins for fish

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is moving into the building industry with the establishment of a housing estate for fish in the Hunter River.

Log cabins for fish are being installed this week in the upper Hunter River, near Muswellbrook. The work is being undertaken by a PhD student in conjunction with NSW DPI.

NSW DPI Research Leader, Aquatic Ecosystems, Bob Creese, said the cabins will provide valuable habitat for native fish, such as Australian bass, living in this stretch of the Hunter River.

"The cabins are made of natural logs, and are being placed directly on the river bed. They will return the river bed into a more natural condition by reintroducing large woody debris or 'snags' in the river," Dr Creese said.

"Large woody debris is a crucial component of a healthy river ecosystem. They provide many features including:

• habitat and protection;
  
• food sources;
  
• structure for plants and invertebrates to grow on;
  
• spawning and nursery areas; and
  
• areas of varying water depth such as deep pools and sand bars."

Fourteen cabins will be installed during the week of 16-20 August - weather permitting - in the Hunter River, downstream from Muswellbrook. They will be constructed on the nearby shore before being lifted by crane into the river.

"The work being undertaken will provide information on how fish populations are affected by the re-introduction of large woody debris. This information will be valuable in managing freshwater recreational fish stocks," Dr Creese said.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Doug Chapman on 8437 4915 or 0408 484 176