Synthesising Key Outcomes of Native Fish Strategy Research

The Native Fish Strategy for the Murray-Darling Basin 2003-2013 (NFS) provides the template for a coordinated response to the key threats to native fish populations in the Murray-Darling Basin. These threats range from flow regulation, habitat degradation, reduced water quality, artificial barriers to fish movement, the establishment of alien species, fisheries exploitation, the spread of diseases and the translocation and stocking of fish species. Native fish populations in the Basin have declined under these threats with experts estimating that current levels are about 10 per cent compared to pre-European settlement levels. The long-term vision of the NFS is to ensure that the Basin sustains viable fish populations and communities throughout its waterways.

Management actions must be underpinned with good science to reduce uncertainties and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. Management actions must also be coordinated across the Basin. Under the guidance of the Native Fish Advisory Panel, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has commissioned a significant number of research projects to help address knowledge gaps in relation to the management of native fishes in the Basin. It has also facilitated a number of workshops to help address the key driving actions of the NFS.

This project will review the success of research and development projects both in terms of their contribution to the science and to the management of native fish in the Basin. It will also undertake a critical analysis of the current level of adoption of research and development findings across a broad range of stakeholders (commonwealth, state agencies, local government, NRM /CMA's, scientific community etc.) and provide recommendations on how to strengthen adoption pathways.