Native Fish Recovery
The drought and low river flows have had a devastating impact on many of our native fish. More than half of South Australia’s freshwater native fish are now classified as ‘at risk.’
Healthy Rivers Australia in partnership with another not for profit, Native Fish Australia (SA), and the State Government is working to secure the future for 5 species of endangered native fish: Southern purple spotted gudgeon, River blackfish, Southern pygmy perch, Yarra pygmy perch and Murray hardyhead.
Twenty six river, stream and wetland sites in South Australia have been prioritised for rehabilitation to support the survival of native fish populations.
In some cases, such as the Southern purple-spotted gudgeon where the last remaining habitat in the region is now dry, captive maintenance of the species until the natural habitat is restored is the only option to ensure long term survival.
Healthy Rivers Australia has recruited volunteers to provide temporary refuges for native fish, supported a new captive maintenance and environmental education program at a local school (read media release) and donated water for habitat restoration.
The support of Haigh’s Chocolates, through the sale of the icon fish of the Murray – a chocolate Murray Cod (read media release) - is helping to raise awareness of the plight of native freshwater fish and support Healthy Rivers Australia’s projects.
Murry Hardy Head 
Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon 
Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon - Guarding Eggs