Recent Rains Rejuvenate Fish Stocks
5 February, 2004

Recent heavy rains throughout the State are helping to rejuvenate freshwater fish stocks in western Queensland.

The rain has caused flooding in rivers and creeks in the Lake Eyre Basin, prompting fish to spawn and replenish stocks.

Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said the drought had taken its toll on fish stocks but the heavy rains were helping to remedy the situation.

However, Ms Hollaway said this was all part of the natural cycle for fish that lived in the Lake Eyre Basin.

“During a drought and other dry periods fish tend to stop spawning and when it rains they start to breed again,” she said.

“Flooding is particularly important to the breeding pattern of many fish in the Lake Eyre Basin, including recreational species such as golden perch (yellowbelly).”

The Lake Eyre Basin is a unique fisheries habitat, encompassing four states and about
1 300 000km2 .

Ms Hollaway said there was no permanent flowing water in any river in the basin and in small catchments river flows were relatively short, perhaps a few hours to a few days following rainfall.

“Fish have adapted to suit these harsh conditions and most are effective at migrating and produce large numbers of eggs, often in response to the flooding,” she said.

“When it floods virtually every water body in the area connects helping fish to spread throughout the system.”

Ms Hollaway said visitors from all over Australia and around the world came to the area to sightsee as well as for a different freshwater fishing experience.

“Lake Eyre rivers and waterholes are a popular attraction and offer good fishing for freshwater fishing enthusiasts,” she said.


Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Michelle Hollaway (07) 3227 7259
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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