Author(s): Jim Barret; Martin Mallen-Cooper

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Abstract: The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) is one of the largest catchments in the world, covering approximately one-seventh of Australia (approximately 1 million km2) and encompassing five States and Territories. The MDB contains a unique, charismatic and highly endemic fish community comprising some 35 species. However, the native fish of the Basin have undergone serious declines in both distribution and abundance since European settlement, the cause of which has been attributed to not only barriers to fish passage but flow regulation, alien fish species, habitat degradation such as desnagging and channelisation, reduced water quality, disease, exploitation, poorly managed translocation and stocking, and thermal pollution (Murray-Darling Basin Commission 2003). At least one-third of the Basin’s native fish are listed as threatened, including the iconic, and once widespread, Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii, Australia’s largest freshwater fish (listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). The Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) is an intergovernmental organisation providing (i) advice on the planning, development and management of the Basin’s natural resources, and (ii) responsibility for strategically managing, directing and funding the operation of the Murray and Lower Darling Rivers.

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Year: 2007