Recent monitoring of the Buchan River near the fishway has confirmed it is successfully supporting native fish passage, with strong increases in fish numbers and species found.
“The fishway was constructed in 2023 to overcome the barrier created by a large log structure, which had restricted fish movement,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“A comprehensive summary of monitoring results from 2022 to 2026, commissioned by the East Gippsland CMA, has improved our understanding of how fish populations have responded since construction of the fishway.”
The results show clear improvements in movement both upstream and downstream, along with a substantial increase in abundance. The most recent surveys recorded a total of 2,371 individual fish; significantly higher than pre-construction surveys, where numbers were in the hundreds.
This increase indicates suitable environmental conditions and good quality habitat in the Buchan River, and suggests the fishway is being actively used.
“As well as high numbers of individuals, a diverse range of species was observed including smelt, common galaxias, longfin eel and tupong, Australian bass and the threatened Australian grayling.”
The fishway now reconnects the river, allowing fish to migrate up to 127 kilometres through the upper reaches of the Buchan River, restoring access to important habitat that was previously out of reach.
Ongoing monitoring will help determine whether these high fish numbers are sustained across different seasons and flow conditions.
“Beyond the significant environmental benefits, the Buchan River is a popular destination for residents and visitors, supporting a range of recreational activities. The area around the fishway is well used, and the project contributes to the long-term enjoyment and health of the river,” added Bec. As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
