Fishers, community members and environmental groups across the New England and North West are being invited to share their knowledge of local waterways as part of a statewide effort to identify areas most in need of restoration.
The Community Water Quality Audit Project will visit West Tamworth League Club on 22 July, bringing together leading fish health scientists and water quality experts to discuss the challenges facing regional waterways and fisheries.
Hosted by OzFish, Australia’s fish habitat charity, in partnership with the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, Southern Cross University, DigsFish Services and the Future Fisheries Veterinary Service, the project aims to combine scientific research with local knowledge to better understand water quality issues across NSW.
The Tamworth session comes as water quality concerns continue to attract attention throughout regional NSW, with fish kills, algal blooms and declining fish populations highlighting pressures on rivers and waterways.
Project leader Dr Ben Diggles from DigsFish Services, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff from Southern Cross University and Dr Matt Landos, director of Future Fisheries Veterinary Service, will present the latest findings on fish health and water quality, while encouraging community members to contribute their own observations and experiences.
The event will conclude with an open discussion, allowing attendees to identify waterways they believe are most in need of restoration and future community action.
Residents are also encouraged to complete the project’s online Water Quality Survey, open from 10 June to 24 July, which will help researchers identify waterways affected by poor water quality and gauge interest in future citizen science activities.
“Water quality is vital for the health of our fisheries, but it is an often an overlooked factor when attempting waterway restoration. We look forward to talking with fishers, indigenous groups and other members of regional communities who know their local waterways best.” said Dr Diggles.
“The aim of the Community Water Quality Audit Project events and survey is for us to learn more about which waterways in NSW need our help and who is keen to help us do it.”
Event details
Community Water Quality Audit Project – Tamworth
Date: 22 July
Time: 7pm–9pm
Venue: West Tamworth League Club, 58 Phillip Street, West Tamworth
Registration is encouraged via the OzFish website.
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