Surveys conducted in the Murray–Darling Basin point to a more resilient Murray Crayfish with populations higher, despite flooding and blackwater events in recent years.
Works to sample crayfish populations were backed by a $27,500 Native Fish Recovery grant from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), with further funding and in-kind support from the Nature Glenelg Trust.
MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the collaboration underscored the power of community partnerships in environmental conservation.
“Blackwater and flooding events in 2010-2011 had significant impacts on the abundance of the crayfish in the River Murray, however this survey found similar events that occurred in 2023 did not have the same catastrophic effect previously seen,” said Mr McConville.
“In the end, it’s more than just fish—it’s about reviving our rivers and empowering our communities to protect the Basin for generations.”
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/crayfish-freshwater-crustacean-7432141/
