Mullet on the move from Mullum to Main Arm

Recent works to remove barriers to fish on the Brunswick River will mean good things for native fish and fishers alike.

DPI Fisheries’ Scott Nichols said the recent replacement of a causeway with a bridge will benefit native fish like Mullet and Australian Bass.

He said this is the ninth and final barrier to be removed or replaced on the lower Brunswick River, opening up around 25 km of river to fish.

“Bass migrate for breeding purposes and mullet move up and down rivers for feeding. By removing or replacing these causeways with bridges, we are opening up all stretches of river to fish which will help them survive, thrive and breed,” he said.

“This means good things for the fish populations of the Brunswick River – during recent site inspections we have already seen schools of mullet, including juveniles, moving past what were previously barriers,” Mr Nichols said.

Mr Nichols said with the removal of the barriers to fish passage, fish will be able to travel from the ocean to almost the village of Main Arm.

He said not only will Mullet and Australian Bass benefit from recent works on the Brunswick River it will help the whole river system.

“Culverts, roads and weirs can act as roadblocks to fish, stopping them accessing the upper parts of rivers, except during high flows,” he said.

“This is a long-term fix - it's returning the river back closer to its natural system. Something that will benefit the river, its fish and fishers,” he said.

Mr Nichols said it was great to see the works were conducted in partnership with Byron Shire Council.

“DPI Fisheries have been working with Byron Shire Council for almost 20 years to restore fish passage in the Brunswick catchment. It is wonderful to have resolved another hurdle for fish,” Mr Nichols said.

“I look forward to continue watching the mullet travelling all the way from ocean to near Main Arm this year,” he said.

Reconnecting fish habitats is a DPI Fisheries program funded via the Marine Estate Management Strategy.

This project is joint funded by Recreational Fishing Trust’s Flagship Habitat Action Grant and Habitat Action Grant Programs, the Marine Estate Management Strategy and Byron Shire Council.