The ACT’s Conservator for Flora and Fauna, Ian Walker, has updated the Territory’s strategy for protecting its rivers and riverbanks, including action plans to save seven threatened species.
The Conservator’s new Aquatic and Riparian Conservation Strategy outlines proposed conservation management guidelines for the protection and enhancement of aquatic and riparian areas; identifies threats with guidelines to manage them; sets out monitoring and research objectives, and seeks to increase community awareness and involvement.
The Strategy also includes action plans for threatened fish and riparian plants, in particular the Two-spined Blackfish, Macquarie Perch, Murray River Crayfish, Silver Perch, Trout Cod, Murrumbidgee Bossiaea and Tuggeranong Lignum.
Mr Walker said the aquatic environments suppled water for human consumption, provided habitat for plants and animals, and were sought out as aesthetically beautiful places and for fishing.
However, they were threatened by climate change, water extraction, overfishing, erosion and sedimentation, invasive species, disease, fire and other threats.
Welcoming the new Strategy, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman said human settlement had always followed rivers.
“This strategy outlines how we can manage the pressure on these ecosystems from the need to extract water for human needs and other threats including erosion, disease and climate change,” Mr Gentleman said.
“It’s important we maintain and improve ecological connectivity and biodiversity throughout our aquatic and riparian ecosystems, continue monitoring and research programs and improve ecosystem resilience to a changing climate,” he said.
“At the same time, we can enhance cultural engagement, education and scientific research.”
The Conservator’s 262-page strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
