Local primary schools swapped the classroom for the riverbank recently as Marlo and Newmerella students took park in a hands-on learning experience at an event hosted by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“Some of the activities offered were sustainable fishing talks with Fishcare, bug identification with Wildlife Unlimited, fish identification with Arthur Rylah Institute scientists, and the opportunity for all students to have a go at throwing a line,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
Students were also thrilled to take home local plants grown and supplied by local Moogji Nursery in Orbost.
“The special day gave students the chance to learn about the iconic Snowy River that runs through their hometowns, helping build a deeper understanding of its environmental importance and their personal connection to the river in their own backyard.”
The community event, held at the Marlo Angling Club, was open to the public and provided an opportunity to hear about the outcomes from recent Snowy River flow trials led by the East Gippsland CMA.
The trials monitored the estuary behaviour with different environmental water release volumes and timing. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to different drivers, as well as impacts on water quality in connected wetlands during late summer and autumn of 2025.
The trials were funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment into improving the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria. “To finish the day, Arthur Rylah Institute scientists demonstrated electrofishing techniques which temporarily stun fish so that they can be safely counted, identified and released, helping to understand river health and fish populations,” said Bec.
